More than 100 staffers of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (Unwra) participated in the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and are affiliated with the terror group’s military wing, according to the US Agency for International Development’s (USAid) inspector general.
The findings, first reported by the Washington Free Beacon, were handed over to the State Department with a recommendation that 101 current and former Unrwa employees be suspended or barred from participating in US-funded aid programmes for 10 years.
The individuals include school principals, teachers, security personnel, attendants, psychosocial counsellors, and medical professionals.
According to the inspector general’s report, those identified include a deputy school principal who served as a deputy company commander in Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades and another deputy principal who allegedly served as a squad leader in Hamas’s Khan Younis Brigade.
Investigators also found evidence linking a Unrwa teacher to service as a Hamas platoon commander, while others were tied to an Al-Qassam intelligence unit or served as snipers.
One deputy school principal allegedly served as a platoon commander in Hamas’s Nuseirat Battalion and was responsible for communications during the October 7 attack, according to the report.
Unrwa has faced longstanding criticism over allegations that Hamas has infiltrated its ranks and used its facilities for military purposes. Israel has also accused the agency of fostering anti-Israel incitement in its educational system.
The latest referrals expand an ongoing USAid inspector general investigation launched after the attacks.
Earlier this year, the office announced the debarment of a former Unrwa school principal found to have participated in the attack as a member of Hamas’s East Jabalia Battalion, and previously referred other agency employees for alleged ties to Hamas or involvement in the massacre.
“Unfortunately, it is no surprise that another 100 Unrwa employees were determined to be involved in the barbaric October 7 attack,” said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott in response to the report.
Pigott said that US President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “have affirmed time and time again that no State Department funding will be provided to Unrwa, which has been totally infiltrated by Hamas and terrorist sympathisers”.
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