The Israeli intelligence document reveals allegations of 12 U.N. employees, accused by Israel of participating in Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack, as shared with CBS News and other Western news outlets. It claims that seven of the accused UNRWA staff entered Israeli territory during the attack, with two involved in kidnappings.
These allegations led to the U.S. and other Western countries freezing funds for UNRWA, a vital agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza. The U.N. terminated nine of the 12 accused workers and condemned their alleged acts.
Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, major donors, including the U.S. and Britain, have temporarily suspended funding for UNRWA. If funding is not restored, the agency stated that it will have to halt operations within weeks. Meanwhile, cease-fire talks held in Paris to bring about relief in Gaza and secure the release of more than 130 hostages have been deemed constructive but with “significant gaps” remaining for any potential agreement.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Israel issued an evacuation order for residents in the western part of Gaza City, while fighting continued in northern Gaza.
The Israeli document listed 12 people with alleged roles in the attack, including their job descriptions and photos. It claimed that at least 190 UNRWA workers were also involved with Hamas or Islamic Jihad without providing evidence. It accused the workers of various actions, including kidnapping, participating in terror activities, and coordinating the movement of weapons. Ten of the accused workers were linked to Hamas, and one to the Islamic Jihad militant group.
The allegations have intensified tensions between Israel and UNRWA. Israel accuses UNRWA of allowing Hamas to use its facilities for storing weapons or launching attacks. UNRWA denies tolerating such behavior knowingly and announced an external review of its operations and safeguards.
The agency provides essential services for Palestinian families who fled during the 1948 war and their descendants. However, due to the funding freeze, the agency stated that it would be forced to cease its support in Gaza by the end of February, further exacerbating the crisis.
