UNRWA Employee Disciplinary Action: A Closer Look into the Investigation and Its Implications

The UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) has completed its investigation into the 19 UNRWA employees accused by Israel of being involved in Hamas attacks on October 7. Out of these 19 cases, 12 have been terminated, with one case closed due to lack of evidence provided by Israel and three others suspended due to insufficient information. Seven new cases have been flagged, with one being suspended until more evidence is received. In total, 14 employees are still under investigation.

The OIOS investigators engaged in discussions with Israeli authorities and have plans for further visits in May. These discussions have been deemed constructive and have helped progress the investigations. The report by an independent assessment mission on UNRWA’s “neutrality” in Gaza found that the agency lacks political neutrality but there is no proof of alleged links to terrorist organizations among its members.

The report highlighted the importance of UNRWA in providing vital humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the occupied West Bank. Israeli accusations had prompted some donor countries to suspend funding, but many have resumed their support, with the exception of the United States. UNRWA employs over 30,000 individuals who serve 5.9 million Palestinians in the region.