U.N. investigators, in response to Israeli allegations against 12 UNRWA staff for their supposed involvement in Hamas attacks on October 7, have made progress.
According to U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the investigation has closed one case due to insufficient evidence from Israel and suspended three others.
Dujarric explained that while the inquiry by the Office for Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) continues for the remaining eight cases, one case was concluded as Israel failed to provide any evidence to support the accusations against the staff member.
He added that corrective administrative measures are being considered in that individual’s case.
Regarding the three suspended cases, Dujarric stated that the information provided by Israel was inadequate for OIOS to proceed with an investigation. UNRWA is currently assessing what administrative actions should be taken in these instances.
The allegations came to light in January when UNRWA announced that it had dismissed some staff and been briefed by Israel.
Out of the initial 12 accused by Israel, UNRWA terminated 10 individuals and stated that the remaining two are deceased. The circumstances of their deaths were not immediately clarified.
OIOS promptly initiated its investigation into the accusations against the dozen staff members. Former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna was appointed by the United Nations in February to lead a review of UNRWA’s neutrality and response to breach allegations.
Israel’s allegations against the UNRWA staff led to 16 states pausing or suspending $450 million in funding to the agency.
Despite ten countries resuming funding, others like the U.S. and the Netherlands have not. UNRWA currently has funding to sustain operations until June.
The U.S., the largest donor to UNRWA, suspended contributions until at least March 2025 following the accusations.
Israel claims that approximately 1,200 people were killed and over 250 taken hostage in the October 7 attacks, while Gaza health authorities report over 34,000 casualties since then.
