An independent review commissioned by the United Nations and released on Monday found that Israel has not provided evidence to support its allegations that many employees of the main U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees are members of terrorist organizations.
The review, led by Catherine Colonna, did not address Israel’s claim that a dozen UNRWA employees were involved in the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7, stating it was a separate matter not within their mandate.
Israel’s accusations came after claims that a significant number of UNRWA employees in Gaza were affiliated with Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, but the review found no evidence to support these claims.
Despite the lack of evidence, more than a dozen countries, including the United States, suspended funding to UNRWA based on the allegations.
The report highlighted weaknesses in UNRWA’s vetting processes and internal investigations, as well as restrictions on preventing armed groups from using its facilities for military purposes.
The review offered recommendations for enhancing the agency’s neutrality, including additional screening and training of staff members and closer cooperation with host countries and Israel.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres accepted the report’s recommendations and urged donors to support UNRWA as a lifeline for Palestine refugees in the region.
Despite calls from Israel to close the agency, the report emphasized UNRWA’s importance in providing humanitarian aid and essential services to Palestinians.
Several countries, including Canada, Japan, and Australia, have resumed funding to UNRWA, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the agency’s efforts to improve accountability.
The United States is waiting for the results of U.N. investigations before deciding on resuming donations to UNRWA, according to a State Department spokesman.
UNRWA was established to aid Palestinians displaced during the wars surrounding Israel’s creation in 1948, and has been crucial in providing assistance amid ongoing conflicts in the region.
Despite the challenges and allegations, the report affirmed the importance of UNRWA’s work and the need for reforms to ensure the agency’s effectiveness and neutrality.
Michael Levenson, Anushka Patil and Michael Crowley contributed reporting.
