Immediate Response Promised

During a recent briefing, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres guaranteed swift action following Israeli intel on Hamas members infiltrating the United Nations. This assurance came after nine UN workers were terminated last month in Gaza, linked to a violent incident orchestrated by this faction. An extensive UN inquiry regarding the abovementioned personnel is already underway.

A Closer Look at the Issue

Reports have implicated 12 employees from UNRWA, the UN agency dedicated to Palestinian refugees, in deadly activities allegedly carried out by Hamas—an indictment deemed severe enough to prompt immediate firings by the UN. Three other implicated individuals are also under review.

Effect on UNRWA Operations

Guterres underscored that UNRWA is an irreplaceable entity in Gaza, recognizing it as a critical humanitarian force whose functions couldn’t be duplicated by other organizations. Contrasting the lower operational costs of UNRWA with others like UNICEF and the World Food Program, he categorically dismissed any potential replacement of the agency. The UN chief also defended the positive elements of UNRWA’s significant operations across refugee camps in various countries.

Long-standing Calls for Action

Numerous allegations have dotted UNRWA’s history in the region, including abetting hostilities and supporting terrorist activities under the guise of serving civilian needs—a charge highlighted by Israel for years, seeking the agency’s disassembly. Meanwhile, the dilemma of possibly dissolving one of the largest employers (employing 30,000 Palestinians) amid conflict rouses international economic concern.

Implications and Next Steps in the Region

The potential pause on funding for UNRWA, prompted by countries like the US following the release of Israeli reports, could foreshadow a different approach in dealing with regional aid and support structures in the Gaza Strip.

This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.