Following allegations of staff involvement in Hamas attacks, an independent panel has recommended measures to enhance the neutrality of UNRWA, the U.N. agency assisting Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA faces challenges from staff politicization and must establish procedures for addressing neutrality breaches. The agency should strengthen staff screening and share digital staff lists with host countries and Israel. UNRWA’s international staff presence in Gaza should be increased, and a centralized neutrality investigation unit should be created.
UNRWA must also implement a zero-tolerance policy on school textbooks promoting antisemitism or discrimination. Staff unions’ politicization remains a concern, and an independent body should vet their neutrality. The international community is urged to support UNRWA in addressing these issues.
