Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has expressed deep concern over the extent of Hamas’ infiltration within the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). He alleges that Hamas’ influence has compromised the organization’s neutrality and has called for its closure.
Katz’s criticism stems from evidence that over 2,135 UNRWA workers are members of Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and that one-fifth of UNRWA school administrators are Hamas members. He argues that the problem extends beyond a few individuals and that UNRWA-Gaza is fundamentally compromised by Hamas.
Katz’s comments come after a report by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, commissioned by the UN, acknowledged flaws within UNRWA but emphasized the importance of its services to Palestinian refugees. However, Katz argues that the report ignores the severity of the problem and offers superficial solutions.
Israel has urged donor countries to refrain from funding UNRWA-Gaza, arguing that it would indirectly support Hamas and violate laws in their own countries. Katz believes that other humanitarian organizations should receive these funds instead.
Israel’s position is that UNRWA-Gaza has become part of the problem rather than part of the solution, and its closure is necessary to address Hamas’ infiltration and ensure neutrality in humanitarian aid operations.
