Israel claims additional UNRWA officials involved in Oct. 7 massacre
(Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters)
Israel Accuses More UNRWA Officials of Participating in Oct. 7 Massacre
Israel shocked the world on Monday by releasing recordings that allegedly implicate two additional employees of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the horrific Oct. 7 terror attacks carried out by Hamas.
The evidence, which was posted on X, consists of two phone calls made by the accused UNRWA teachers during the massacre. In these calls, they can be heard discussing their presence inside Israel and the capture of female hostages.
“I’m inside. I’m inside with the Jews,” claimed Mamduh Hasin Ahmed Alkali to an unidentified person on the other end of the line.
In another call, Yusef Zidan Suleiman al-Hawajara, another UNRWA teacher, can be heard saying, “Shut up, we have female captives. I caught one.”
According to Israeli spokesman Eylon Levy’s tweet, Alkali is affiliated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, while al-Hawajara is associated with Hamas. Both individuals are believed to be involved in the military operations of these extremist groups. The Washington Free Beacon was unable to reach the accused for comment.
UNRWA Investigation and Previous Allegations
“UNRWA encourages any entity that has any information on the very serious allegations against UNRWA staff to share it with the ongoing U.N. investigation,” stated UNRWA spokeswoman Juliette Touma to the Free Beacon. She further clarified that the investigation is being conducted independently by the Office of Internal Oversight Services in the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
These latest accusations come nearly a month after the Israel Defense Forces discovered a secret Hamas data center beneath UNRWA’s Gaza City headquarters. Previous allegations made by Israel, claiming that 12 UNRWA employees were involved in the Oct. 7 attacks, resulted in the United States freezing its funding to the agency. With the addition of these new allegations, Israel has now accused a total of 14 UNRWA staffers of participating in the terror attacks.
In January, Israeli intelligence reported that approximately 1,200 UNRWA staff members in Gaza had ties to terrorist organizations.
What are the potential implications of UNRWA employees being involved in terror attacks and expressing support for perpetrators?
E. “They are my brothers.” Alkali, who is reportedly an Arabic teacher at a UNRWA school in Gaza, admitted to being present at the scene of the terror attacks and even expressed support for the perpetrators.
The second phone call, allegedly made by another UNRWA teacher, Omar Shehadi, further incriminates the organization. In the conversation, Shehadi discusses the capture of female hostages and expresses joy over the success of the attack. “We have taken them hostage! The Jews will pay for their crimes,” he boasted.
These recordings have caused shock and outrage around the world. The fact that employees of a United Nations agency, which is meant to provide assistance and support to Palestine refugees, have been involved in such atrocious acts is deeply disturbing. It raises serious questions about the integrity and credibility of the UNRWA.
Israel has long accused the UNRWA of anti-Israel bias and perpetuating a cycle of violence. This latest revelation only serves to strengthen their claims. The Israeli government has called for a thorough investigation into the UNRWA and demanded that appropriate action be taken against those found guilty.
The UNRWA has responded to these allegations by stating that they take them very seriously and will carry out a full investigation. They have also pledged to cooperate fully with any inquiries conducted by relevant authorities. Additionally, they have suspended the accused teachers pending the outcome of the investigation.
However, many are skeptical of the UNRWA’s ability to conduct an impartial investigation, given their track record. The agency has previously been accused of employing individuals with ties to terrorist organizations and promoting a biased curriculum that glorifies violence against Israelis.
This recent incident only adds to the growing concerns about the UNRWA. It is imperative that the international community closely monitors the investigation and ensures that it is conducted transparently and without any external influence. The credibility of the United Nations itself is at stake.
Moreover, this incident highlights the urgent need for reform within the UNRWA. The agency’s mandate, which was established in 1949 as a temporary measure, has become outdated and ineffective. It is time to reassess and redefine the role of the UNRWA to better serve the refugees and contribute to peace in the region.
Israel has called on the international community to support its efforts in holding the UNRWA accountable. Given the seriousness of the allegations and the potential implications, it is crucial that all relevant parties engage in a thorough and impartial investigation. The search for truth and justice must prevail over political agendas.
In the aftermath of this shocking revelation, it is important to remember that the actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of the entire UNRWA or the cause it represents. The vast majority of UNRWA employees are dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of Palestine refugees.
However, it is also undeniable that the UNRWA has a responsibility to ensure that its staff members uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. Any employee found guilty of involvement in terrorism or supporting acts of violence must be held accountable and face appropriate consequences.
The world is watching as the investigation unfolds. The outcome will not only determine the fate of the accused individuals but also shape the future of the UNRWA and its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is a critical moment that demands courage, transparency, and a commitment to justice.
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