What It’s About:
The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has aligned itself with the United Nations in defending its relief agency, UNRWA, after accusations surfaced that some of its employees were involved in the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, which killed 1,200 people including over 30 Americans.
Why It Matters:
Following the tragic loss of life in Israel, victims and their families launched a lawsuit against UNRWA in a New York federal court, accusing the organization and individual workers of supporting Hamas in their terrorist activities. The DOJ’s stance could uphold UNRWA’s claim to diplomatic immunity, essentially preventing legal accountability for the accused relief workers.
The Details:
After dismissing nine employees suspected of involved with Hamas, UNRWA now faces allegations of knowingly providing support to Hamas. Accusations include supplying financial and material aid to Hamas, allowing weapons storage in its facilities, and facilitating anti-Israel indoctrination through its schools.
The United Nations contends that the U.S.-U.N. international agreement grants UNRWA and its staff absolute immunity from prosecution unless explicitly waived by the U.N. DOJ supports this viewpoint, consequently suggesting the New York court dismiss the pending lawsuit. This resurgence of international treaties emphasizes protections designed for U.N. operations.
Expert Views:
Mark Goldfeder, from the National Jewish Advocacy Center, criticized the U.S. Justice Department’s stance, labeling it as lenient towards supporters of terrorism. Fund manager Anne Bayefsky underscores that DOJ’s current diplomatically supportive position on UNRWA potentially breeds unaccountability for the organization amidst visible associations with Hamas.
On social media, Goldfeder stressed UNRWA’s overall immunities hold suspect legal grounds and argued a grave misjudgment to classify terror-supportive activities as legitimate UNRWA functions. He further contends that treating harmful actions against civilians as within ‘official duties’ mandates a reevaluation of the broader principles governing U.N.’s diplomatic immunities.
The doctrines anchoring UNRWA’s protections transform legitimate legal accountability into what’s perceived as a shield, detracting from just resolutions for grievous acts.
This story was first published on foxnews.com.