US Intelligence Report Confirms Some Claims About UNRWA Staff Ties to Hamas

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has long been a subject of controversy, with allegations of staff ties to militant groups, particularly Hamas, being a recurring theme. In recent months, these allegations have gained renewed attention, leading to the United States pausing its funding to the agency.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, a new US intelligence assessment found it likely that some employees of UNRWA participated in Hamas’ terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. The assessment, which was completed last week, also said that while the US cannot verify Israeli allegations that many United Nations workers have links to militant groups, the claims that 12 UNRWA staffers participated in the October 7 attack are credible.

The Israeli government had previously shared findings with the US, alleging that at least 12 UNRWA employees were involved in the Hamas attacks and kidnappings that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. The US had earmarked $51 million for fiscal 2024 prior to the pause.

The assessment, as described to the Wall Street Journal by officials, does not dispute Israel’s allegations of links between some staff at UNRWA and militant groups, but it provides a more measured appraisal of Israel’s assertions than public statements by US and Israeli officials.

UNRWA, in response to the allegations, stated that they have not been presented with any evidence from the Israeli authorities. They invited any country, party, or institution with information to provide it to the Office of Internal Oversight Services at the United Nations headquarters to help advance the investigation.

The Israeli military, in a joint statement with the Israel Security Agency, announced that they had discovered a significant amount of assets and weapons, including inside a United Nations-affiliated building during raids on Hamas facilities in Gaza. The raids resulted in the killing of approximately 120 Hamas terrorists and the destruction of 20 terrorist infrastructure sites.

The Israeli military also found that the UNRWA building supplied the Hamas tunnel with electricity. This discovery ultimately led them to UNRWA’s headquarters, where they found that the UNRWA building had provided electricity to the Hamas tunnel.

The State Department and Department of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The National Security Council also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The controversy surrounding UNRWA and its staff ties to militant groups is not new. In 2018, a report by the Middle East Forum found that over 5,000 UNRWA employees were affiliated with terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The report also found that UNRWA had employed over 1,000 individuals who had been convicted of terrorist activities.

The allegations of staff ties to militant groups have led to calls for reform within the agency. Some have suggested that UNRWA should be restructured or even disbanded, while others have called for increased transparency and accountability.

The controversy also has implications for US foreign policy in the region. The US is a major donor to UNRWA, and its decision to pause funding has been criticized by some as undermining US efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. Others argue that the US must take a tougher stance against militant groups and hold organizations like UNRWA accountable for any ties to terrorism.

The situation is complex, and there are no easy answers. The allegations of staff ties to militant groups are serious, and they must be addressed. At the same time, it is important to remember that UNRWA plays a vital role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees. The challenge for the international community is to find a way to support the agency while ensuring that it is not providing cover for terrorist activities.

In the meantime, the investigation into UNRWA’s staff ties to Hamas continues. The US and Israel have promised to provide evidence to the United Nations, and the agency has promised to take swift action if any wrongdoing is found. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for US foreign policy in the region and for the future of UNRWA.

As the situation unfolds, it is important for the international community to remain engaged and to work together to find a solution that promotes peace, stability, and humanitarian aid in the Middle East. The stakes are high, and the challenges are great, but with determination and cooperation, a way forward can be found.

In conclusion, the US intelligence report confirming some claims about UNRWA staff ties to Hamas is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the agency. The allegations of staff ties to militant groups are serious, and they must be addressed. The investigation into these allegations continues, and the outcome could have significant implications for US foreign policy in the region and for the future of UNRWA. The international community must remain engaged and work together to find a solution that promotes peace, stability, and humanitarian aid in the Middle East.