A document released on Monday gave details to a damning accusation against the U.N. agency UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency).
The Israeli document is filled with allegations against 12 UN workers that it claims actively participated in the Hamas assault on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israeli citizens and the kidnapping of 250 more.
The document claims seven of the employees stormed into Israeli territory as part of the Oct 7 assault, while two others participated in actual kidnappings. The revelations against the agency for Palestinian refugee relief prompted a freeze on funding for the humanitarian organization from Western nations.
Thousands of refugees depend on the UNRWA for food and other aid. The UN fired nine of the 12 accused staff members and condemned the actions of the alleged. The UNRWA and the Israeli government have been at odds with one another for years.
How Important Is The UNRWA?
The UNRWA employs approximately 13,000. Officials say the hostilities have resulted in a starvation threat to a quarter of the population of Gaza. The United States and Britain have cut funding while Japan and Austria have paused assistance.
The UNRWA has said that it will be forced to cease operations in just a few weeks if the funding cuts are not remedied. The UNRWA revelations came as Israel engaged in ongoing cease-fire talks, which have reportedly been constructive.
However, major agreement gaps remain between what Hamas wants and what Israel is ready to concede. These talks could result in a much-needed respite for the Palestinians trapped by the fighting, as well as secure the release of the hostages remaining in Hamas custody.
The Israeli document, which has been shared with U.S. officials as further revealed by the Associated Press, lists 12 people, their alleged roles in the attack, job descriptions, and photos.
The document further stated that 190 UNRWA workers were Hamas or Islamic Jihad operatives. However, no evidence was provided to support that. Of the 12 accused workers, nine were teachers while another was a social worker.
Seven of the accused employees are said to have crossed into southern Israel on the day in question. Two were alleged to have engaged in kidnapping or assisting in the abduction of others.
Another two are said to have actively engaged in raids, according to the document. Two of the twelve accused have been killed, according to the document.
