UNRWA's Role Amidst Tensions with Iran and Israel

UNRWA's Involvement in the Ongoing Crisis

UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, finds itself at the center of controversy after the death of Hamas leader Fateh Sherif. Reports confirm that Sherif was not only a militant but also an employee within UNRWA, serving as a teacher and school principal. According to a UNRWA spokesperson, Sherif had been suspended since late March due to allegations regarding his political activities, which led to protests at the agency's headquarters in Beirut by supporters.

Israel's Response to UNRWA's Allegations

• The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticizes UNRWA for failing to dismiss Sherif directly.
• Israel has long claimed UNRWA acts as an extension of Hamas and other terrorist organizations.
• In January, Israel accused twelve UNRWA employees of involvement in terrorist attacks.
• Several countries halted funding to UNRWA as a result of these accusations.
• Despite initial claims, independent investigations revealed a lack of evidence linking UNRWA as an organization to terrorist activities.

However, the UN’s internal investigation found sufficient evidence against nine out of nineteen suspected employees, resulting in their dismissal, according to UNRWA chief Lazzarini.