UN To Terminate 9 Staff For Involvement in Oct. 7 Israel Attacks

The United Nations has announced the dismissal of nine staff members from its Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, following their involvement in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks against Israel.

The decision comes after a thorough investigation by the UN Office of Oversight Services (OIOS), which was initiated earlier this year. Israel had alleged that several UNRWA personnel participated in the assault, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 250 people being taken as hostages.

Although OIOS could not independently verify all the information provided by Israel, the investigation revealed evidence implicating 19 UNRWA staff. In 10 of these cases, the evidence was either insufficient or nonexistent to support the allegations. However, in the remaining nine cases, OIOS found sufficient evidence indicating involvement in the attacks.

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UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini confirmed the termination of the nine staff members, stating that their continued employment was untenable. “I have decided that in the case of these remaining nine staff members, they cannot work for UNRWA. All contracts of these staff members will be terminated in the interest of the Agency,” Lazzarini said.

The OIOS investigation included visits to Israel and Jordan, where investigators reviewed information and communications technology data, such as email records and agency vehicle information. They also consulted various sources, including media releases and communications with Member States.

Despite the inability to authenticate some information independently due to its retention by Israeli authorities, the UN acted decisively based on the available evidence. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized the importance of carefully handling such serious allegations, as any involvement in the attacks would constitute a significant betrayal of trust.

UNRWA has already begun implementing recommendations from an independent review panel, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, which assessed the agency’s neutrality and response to the allegations. The panel’s report, published in April, praised the stringent mechanisms and procedures in place at UNRWA.

Lazzarini reiterated UNRWA’s condemnation of the October 7 attack and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres also underscored the importance of supporting UNRWA staff, who have been working under extreme conditions to provide essential services to refugees.

The UN remains committed to maintaining the integrity and neutrality of its operations, ensuring that any breaches of trust are addressed promptly and appropriately.

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