NEW YORK (Diya TV) — A United Nations investigation concluded in August 2024 that nine UNRWA employees may have participated in the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. The agency announced it would terminate their employment.
The U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services investigated allegations against nineteen employees of the agency, which serves Palestinian refugees.
Investigators found no supporting evidence in one case and insufficient evidence in nine others. For the remaining nine, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the evidence, if authenticated and corroborated, could indicate involvement in the attacks.
The findings did not establish that those employees participated. Investigators could not independently authenticate most of the information Israel supplied because it remained in Israeli custody.
Israel initially accused twelve employees in January 2024 and later submitted allegations involving seven more. Investigators met Israeli officials and examined UNRWA records in Jordan.
A separate review led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna examined UNRWA’s neutrality safeguards. That review, published in April 2024, identified areas for improvement alongside extensive existing procedures.
Lazzarini condemned the Oct. 7 attacks and reiterated his call for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages.
