The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is facing serious allegations of complicity with the militant group Hamas, as Israel claims a recent strike in the Gaza Strip targeted a Hamas command center located within a UNRWA compound. This latest controversy adds a complex layer to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where northern areas are reportedly experiencing a “full-blown famine” according to the World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet assert that the precision strike aimed to minimize civilian harm, was necessary to dismantle a Hamas base purportedly used for staging multiple attacks against IDF troops and undermining humanitarian efforts. The IDF claims that Hamas deliberately positioned its command center near the UNRWA site, risking the lives of nearby civilians.
Despite these serious charges, UNRWA’s spokesperson, Juliette Touma, indicated the agency lacks information on the incident, calling for investigations into violations of the UN’s premises inviolability.
Israeli expert on UNRWA, David Bedein, further complicates the agency’s position, drawing links between UNRWA and Hamas, which he describes as interchangeable entities after his 37-year investigation. His claims of weapons caches found in UNRWA facilities add fuel to the fire, prompting Touma to advocate for accountability and investigations by all parties.
On the political front, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called for the resignation of UNRWA commissioner Philippe Lazzarini over allegations of the agency’s workers partaking in a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, during which over 30 Americans were killed.
Amidst the backdrop of violence, blockade, and political tensions, the UN has issued stark warnings of famine conditions moving southward through Gaza. Phillipe Lazzarini has pointed to Israel’s denial of humanitarian access and reports of attacks on aid workers and convoys, complicating the already dire situation.
France’s Foreign Ministry said it was “strongly opposed” to a planned Israeli offensive in the southwestern city of Rafah, where up to 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Relevant articles:
– UN agency accused of being part of Hamas after Israel strikes terrorist HQ, FOX News, 05/07/2024
– Northern Gaza experiencing ‘full-blown famine’: UN official, ABC News, 05/06/2024
– Middle East updates: Israeli leaders back Rafah offensive – DW – 05, DW (English), 05/06/2024
– Lawmakers introduce legislation holding UNRWA accountable for joining, assisting Hamas terror attack in Israel, Yahoo! Voices, 05/06/2024
– The Latest | Israel launches strikes in Rafah, hours after Hamas agrees to a Gaza cease-fire, ABC News, 05/06/2024