UN launches investigation into allegations against UNRWA staffers over Gaza attack involvement

After the outbreak of the latest war in Gaza, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ordered an investigation into allegations against 14 of the 19 employees from the U.N. relief agency for Palestinians. The probe was initiated following Israel's claims that these staffers were involved in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants. This move was revealed by U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric, providing the first official details on the matter.

The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the U.N.'s internal watchdog, is conducting the investigation. According to Dujarric, the OIOS reported that of the 19 allegations against the agency's staffers, one case was closed due to lack of evidence provided by Israel, and four others were suspended for insufficient evidence.

Israel informed the United Nations in January of allegations against 12 employees of the relief agency, leading to the termination of their contracts. Additional allegations were later received from Israel about seven UNRWA staffers. At the same time, an independent review of UNRWA’s neutrality was released, indicating that Israel had not previously expressed concerns about anyone on the staff lists provided by UNRWA since 2011.

UNRWA's Operations and Funding

UNRWA has 32,000 staff across several countries, including 13,000 in Gaza, providing essential services to millions of Palestinians and their families. Philippe Lazzarini, the agency’s head, stated that almost 180 UNRWA staffers were killed during the Israeli offensive in Gaza. The war resulted in a significant number of casualties, with more than 34,000 Palestinians losing their lives, around two-thirds of whom were children and women. The suspension of contributions to UNRWA by the United States and other countries had initially caused a halt in funding amounting to approximately $450 million, according to a report by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.

Despite the challenges, U.N. Secretary-General Guterres appealed to donors to generously support UNRWA. Colonna’s report pointed out serious gaps in implementing UNRWA’s neutrality despite having robust procedures for the same. The report made 50 recommendations to enhance UNRWA’s neutrality, which both Guterres and Lazzarini have committed to implementing.

Investigative Updates

Dujarric mentioned that the OIOS has not provided a timeline for the completion of the investigation into the 14 staffers and refrained from elaborating on the allegations. He also indicated ongoing discussions with Israeli authorities and upcoming meetings in May, leading to progress in the investigations. Currently, eight of the 12 initial cases remain under investigation, while three have been suspended, and one staffer has been cleared. The U.N. is considering corrective administrative action. Lazzarini confirmed that any individuals cleared by OIOS would be reinstated. Additionally, of the seven additional cases raised after January, six are still under investigation, and one has been suspended pending further information.