NGO Report Alleges UNRWA Workers Embezzling Humanitarian Aid Meant for Palestinians

A United Nations watchdog organization has uncovered shocking allegations of corruption within the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), with chat room posts revealing claims that staff members are stealing humanitarian aid intended for civilians and either selling it or hoarding it in their homes.

The Geneva-based NGO UN Watch published posts from a chat room run by former UNRWA employee Haitham al-Sayyed, who was fired after criticizing the agency for hiding a map at a UNRWA school that denied Israel’s existence. The allegations have led up to 16 countries, including the United States, to suspend funding to UNRWA.

The chat room posts detail instances of aid being sold in front of employees’ eyes, theft of diesel fuel leading to months without electricity, and directors stealing and selling food distributed in UNRWA schools. The allegations have sparked outrage among current and former employees, with one member stating, “Corruption is widespread.”

Despite the scandal, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini reported that most donor countries have resumed their contributions, with the agency receiving at least $115 million in private fundraising. However, U.S. Reps. Brian Mast and Josh Gottheimer have introduced legislation to recover federal funds provided to UNRWA, citing concerns about the agency’s ties to terrorist organizations.

The revelations have raised serious questions about the integrity of UNRWA and the need for greater oversight and accountability within the organization.