UN Internal Investigation: 9 UNRWA Employees May Be Involved in October 15 Attacks

Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesman for the United Nations, announced on Monday, August 6, the conclusion of a months-long internal investigation by the organization, stating that 9 out of 19 Palestinian employees accused by Israel 'may' have been involved in the terrorist attacks on October 15 of last year in southern Israel. He added that while sufficient evidence was not found regarding the other 10 employees, their employment would be terminated for the interests of the United Nations. These 19 individuals were employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), and according to Farhan Haq, their cases were reviewed by the UN's Internal Oversight Services, and apart from the 9 individuals suspected of involvement in the October 15 attacks, there was 'insufficient evidence' against the other 9 to support the allegations, and 'no evidence' against one other individual. The investigation began on January 25 of last year when Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner of UNRWA, dismissed 9 out of 12 accused individuals. Officials at that time confirmed the death of one of the accused and were in the process of identifying two others. Subsequently, UNRWA stated that in April of this year, Israeli officials provided information about 5 accused individuals and in May about 2 more to the UN's Internal Oversight Services. Following the announcement of these allegations in early January, 12 donor countries to UNRWA, including its largest financial supporter, the United States, suspended their aid, and Gilad Erdan, Israel's representative to the UN, deemed the report 'too little and too late,' calling for the closure of UNRWA and the resignation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The Israeli parliament is currently considering a bill to designate UNRWA as a terrorist organization and ban its operations in Israel. Philippe Lazzarini condemned the October 15 attacks 'in the strongest possible terms' and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Following the attacks by Hamas militants, a group supported by the Islamic Republic, 1,200 people were killed, and over 250 others were taken hostage. Mr. Lazzarini emphasized that the agency is committed to 'upholding the fundamental principles and values of the United Nations, including the humanitarian principle of neutrality,' and that all its employees adhere to the agency's policies regarding external and political activities. Farhan Haq also stressed that the UN's investigation is not a criminal investigation but merely a fact-finding inquiry to determine internal rules that have been violated, and disciplinary actions may be taken. This internal and confidential report was sent to the UN Secretary-General on July 31. Following the announcement of the results of an independent review regarding UNRWA's neutrality by Catherine Colonna, former French Foreign Minister, most financial contributors, except for Washington, resumed their aid to the agency. The UN warns about the escalation of conflicts in the region: immediate action is needed for de-escalation. The Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, Mai Sato, stated: 'I will address all cases impartially.' The United States: The Security Council must address the actions of the Islamic Republic's 'proxies and terrorist partners.' UN report: Since October 7, Israel has detained thousands of Palestinians and mistreated them.