UN agency staff ‘celebrated and justified’ Hamas attack on Israel: Watchdog
UN Agency Staffers Celebrated and Justified Hamas Attacks on Israel, Report Reveals
According to a new report, staffers for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) immediately celebrated and justified the Hamas terror attacks against Israel on October 7. UNRWA, which provides aid to Palestinian refugees, has long faced criticism for its alleged terror affiliations. The agency recently tried to refute claims that Hamas intercepted humanitarian supplies during the Israel-Gaza conflict. However, a 68-page report released by the nonprofit group UN Watch reveals that 20 UNRWA teachers and staff members expressed support for Hamas on social media.
Biden Administration’s Aid to UNRWA Raises Concerns
The Biden administration has directed hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to UNRWA. Documents obtained by the watchdog Protect the Public’s Trust show that in 2021, the administration expressed concerns about loosening sanctions on cash to Gaza due to the potential indirect benefit to Hamas. In contrast, the Trump administration halted Palestinian aid over terror concerns.
“We call on the governments that fund UNRWA to declare that they will stop enabling a system that teaches new generations of Palestinians to hate and murder Jews,” said Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch. Neuer emphasized that the issue lies not only in social media posts but also in the employment of teachers who promote antisemitism and terrorism.
Neuer further highlighted that the hate leading to the October 7th massacre was cultivated over many years in UNRWA schools. He referenced a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) where he revealed that the diploma of Hamas terrorist Amer Yaser Nazmi Sada, who was involved in the attack on Israel, was found in a car. Since that day, numerous lives have been lost, including over 1,400 Israelis and at least 33 Americans.
UNRWA Under Scrutiny for Activities in Gaza
The release of the UN Watch report has brought UNRWA’s activities in Gaza, which has been under Hamas control since 2006, into the spotlight. The report highlights instances where UNRWA staff members openly celebrated and justified the Hamas attacks. For example, a UNRWA Gaza teacher posted on Facebook, “Allah is Great, Allah is Great, reality surpasses our wildest dreams,” on the morning of October 7. Another UNRWA school principal justified the attacks as a means of “redressing” Palestinian grievances.
UN Watch also revealed social media posts from UNRWA employees expressing support for the attacks. One employee referred to a Hamas terrorist as a “hero” and “prince.” The report emphasizes that these posts are symptomatic of a larger problem: the employment of antisemitic and terrorist-supporting staff by UNRWA, including approximately 20,000 teachers.
In 2022, UNRWA received significant funding, with $344 million from the United States, $202 million from Germany, and $114 million from the European Union. UN Watch calls for greater accountability and transparency from the agency.
The State Department previously reported that two UNRWA schools had tunnels used by terrorists for covert operations, including weapon transportation.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency did not respond to a request for comment.
How does the naming of UNRWA schools after terrorists contribute to the perpetuation of radical ideologies?
N the ideological alignment and support for terrorist organizations among UNRWA personnel.
The Allegations and Evidence
The report by UN Watch meticulously analyzes and documents the online activities and posts of the UNRWA teachers and staff members. The findings reveal a disturbing pattern of celebration and support for Hamas attacks on Israel. The individuals in question openly praised the perpetrators of violence against innocent civilians and justified their actions as legitimate acts of resistance. Such behavior from employees of an internationally funded agency raises serious concerns about the impartiality and effectiveness of UNRWA’s operations.
Furthermore, the report provides evidence of broader institutional issues within UNRWA that perpetuate and foster radical ideologies. For example, it highlights instances where UNRWA schools have been named after terrorists, glorifying their actions and promoting a culture of violence. This deeply troubling revelation undermines the agency’s credibility and calls into question its ability to fulfill its humanitarian mandate without bias.
Implications for Biden’s Aid to UNRWA
The Biden administration’s decision to allocate substantial financial aid to UNRWA has raised eyebrows and stirred controversy. The concerns expressed in internal documents about potential indirect funding of Hamas demonstrate the complex ethical dilemmas associated with supporting an agency that may have connections to terrorist organizations. It is crucial for the administration to reevaluate and closely scrutinize its aid policies, ensuring that every dollar granted to UNRWA is used strictly for humanitarian purposes and does not inadvertently contribute to further instability and violence in the region.
The Trump administration’s decision to halt Palestinian aid over terror concerns was rooted in a similar recognition of the need for accountability and transparency in aid distribution. While the humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees should not be dismissed, it is essential to ensure that aid is channeled through trustworthy and accountable channels. The revelations about UNRWA’s personnel only underscore the urgency of comprehensive oversight and evaluation of aid recipients.
The Way Forward
The findings of this report demand immediate action and accountability. The governments that provide financial support to UNRWA must unequivocally condemn the support for terrorist organizations among its staff members and implement strict measures to prevent such affiliations. The UN itself should also conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and take corrective measures to restore public trust in the agency.
Furthermore, it is crucial to reassess the criteria for selecting and monitoring personnel within UNRWA. Staff recruitment processes must prioritize ensuring the integrity and neutrality of individuals working for the agency. Additionally, robust mechanisms should be implemented to regularly monitor and address any signs of bias or support for extremist ideologies among UNRWA personnel.
In conclusion, the report by UN Watch sheds light on deeply concerning activities and affiliations within UNRWA that undermine its credibility and effectiveness in providing aid to Palestinian refugees. The revelations present an opportunity for governments, the UN, and international organizations to reassess their support and engagement with UNRWA, seeking to ensure that humanitarian assistance is provided without enabling or endorsing hate, violence, or terrorism.
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