The US is conducting a broad investigation into terror links within the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) is examining the ties of at least 1,500 UNRWA employees operating in Gaza to foreign terrorist organizations.
A US diplomatic official stated that the investigation is continuing where the UN has failed. The official said, "US taxpayers should never fund the salaries of aid workers who are members of a terrorist organization." As a result of the investigation, the USAID OIG referred 108 current and former UNRWA personnel to the State Department.
Personnel linked to Hamas
The referred personnel include UNRWA school principals, teachers, security staff, psychosocial counselors, and health workers. The list includes a deputy school principal who served as a deputy company commander within Hamas and another deputy principal who was a squad leader.
A teacher with sniper expertise for Hamas and another staff member responsible for tracking explosive devices were also included in the investigation. It was reported that a school principal was assigned to Hamas's military production unit and that three anti-tank positions and a tunnel entrance were located under his school.
Regarding the October 7 attacks, it was recorded that a teacher was ordered to "bring two anti-tank missiles to a designated point during the attacks." It was also stated that a deputy school principal was responsible for communications.
US decision to cut funding
As a result of the investigation, the US State Department barred UNRWA school principal Hafez Mousa Mohammed Mousa from all future work with US government entities. It was stated that Mousa worked with Hamas's East Jabalia Battalion and coordinated communications with other Hamas members during the October 7 attacks.
A State Department spokesperson said, "It is no surprise that 100 more UNRWA employees have been found to have been involved in the barbaric October 7 attack." The spokesperson explained that President Trump and Secretary Rubio have repeatedly confirmed that no State Department funds will be provided to UNRWA, which has been completely infiltrated by Hamas and terror sympathizers.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch said, "It is time for the US to address this growing problem and the systematic radicalization in UNRWA facilities." US Representative for UN Management and Reform Ambassador Jeff Bartos said UNRWA has "become a subsidiary of Hamas" and called on member states to stop providing funds.
UN officials reported that humanitarian aid operations in Gaza are being obstructed by Hamas. UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov explained that armed individuals forcibly entered food distribution points and attacked aid drivers.
Ridvan Sezer | Editor-in-Chief
