U.S. officials are conducting a sweeping investigation into the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the U.N. organization for Palestinian refugees, alleging that over 1,500 of its employees have ties to terrorism. This probe, spearheaded by the USAID Office of the Inspector General (OIG), extends beyond the October 7th attacks, examining broader connections to foreign terrorist organizations, particularly Hamas. The USAID OIG has already referred 108 current or former UNRWA staff members to the State Department for suspension or exclusion from U.S.-funded programs, with individuals identified as being involved in the Hamas invasion of southern Israel or as members of terrorist groups. These referrals include UNRWA school principals, teachers, security personnel, counselors, and medical professionals, with specific cases highlighting individuals with roles as Hamas deputy company commanders, squad leaders, snipers, and those involved in military manufacturing units and coordinating communications during the October 7th attacks. The investigation is critically important, according to senior U.S. officials, to ensure American taxpayer funds do not support individuals affiliated with terrorist organizations, with the USAID OIG aiming to prevent terrorists from infiltrating aid organizations. The State Department has already banned one UNRWA school principal, identified as working with a Hamas battalion and coordinating communications during the October 7th attacks, from future work with U.S. government entities. This extensive investigation comes amid decades of concerns regarding UNRWA’s alleged promotion of terror in school materials, the presence of Hamas tunnels beneath its schools, and staff participation in terrorist activities, leading U.S. officials and bodies like the Board of Peace to assert that UNRWA has no place in a future Gaza.
Adapted from: Latest World News on Fox News
