Gaza - The United Nations has announced the termination of nine staff members from its agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, following an internal investigation into allegations of their involvement in the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel. This attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 251 others.

The UN deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, confirmed the terminations but did not provide detailed information regarding the specific involvement of these staff members or the evidence that led to their dismissal. The investigation, conducted by the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), reviewed evidence provided by Israeli authorities, though it did not have direct access to this evidence. The OIOS concluded that there was sufficient evidence suggesting the involvement of the nine staff members in the attack.

Previously, UNRWA had already dismissed 12 staff members and placed seven others on administrative leave without pay in response to the allegations. The recent terminations bring the total number of staff dismissed from UNRWA in relation to these allegations to 21, though the exact current number of dismissed staff members was not clarified in the announcement.

The allegations against UNRWA, initially brought forward by Israel in January, led to significant financial repercussions for the agency. Several major donor countries suspended their funding, resulting in a substantial financial shortfall of approximately $450 million. Since then, all donor countries except the United States have resumed their support for UNRWA. The U.S., which is UNRWA's largest donor, has not yet restarted its contributions.

Israeli officials, including Oren Marmorstein from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have used the findings to advocate for the suspension of further funding to UNRWA. Marmorstein criticized the agency, arguing that it has reached a "new low" and calling for donor countries to cease their financial support, suggesting that funds could potentially be diverted to terrorist activities. He also proposed replacing UNRWA’s services with other agencies.

The UN investigation has been part of a broader scrutiny of UNRWA’s operations amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli government has long accused UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas and turning a blind eye to militant activities. During the war, there have been accusations of UNRWA facilities being used to conceal tunnels and other military infrastructure, although UNRWA denies these claims.

Despite the controversy, UNRWA has remained a key provider of humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The agency reports that over 200 of its staff members have been killed, and 190 of its facilities have been damaged during the ongoing conflict. Many of UNRWA’s schools have been repurposed as shelters for displaced individuals.

The UN Secretary-General’s office, through Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, emphasized that the agency's priority is to continue providing essential services to Palestinian refugees amidst the war and escalating regional tensions. Lazzarini condemned the October 7 attack and reiterated the agency’s commitment to its humanitarian mission.

-BBC/NPR