The United Nations has closed one case and suspended three more in the investigation into Israeli accusations that 12 staff from the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA took part in Hamas attacks on October 7. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced that the Office for Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is continuing the inquiry into the remaining eight cases.
In the closed case, Dujarric stated that Israel did not provide any evidence to support the allegations against the staff member, leading the U.N. to consider corrective administrative action. Three cases were suspended due to insufficient information from Israel, prompting UNRWA to evaluate potential administrative actions.
The Israeli government initially raised 12 cases in late January, with an additional seven cases brought to the U.N.’s attention in March and April. Dujarric noted that one case was suspended pending additional evidence, while the remaining six investigations are ongoing.
UNRWA, which provides essential services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, has faced funding challenges following the accusations. Sixteen states paused or suspended $450 million in funding, with only 10 countries resuming support. The U.S. Congress has also suspended contributions until at least March 2025.
The allegations have strained UNRWA’s operations, with the agency currently having enough funding to sustain operations until June. The ongoing investigation and funding challenges highlight the complexities of humanitarian aid in conflict-affected regions like Gaza.