The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced this Friday the expulsion and the opening of an immediate investigation of several members of the organization for their alleged involvement in the attacks by Palestinian militias on October 7 in Israel, in which around 1,200 people were killed came the trigger for the current conflict between the Israeli army and Hamas.
UNRWA's Commissioner General, Philippe Lazzarini, was tasked with announcing these measures after Israeli authorities provided the organization with “information about the alleged involvement of several members” of the organization, according to a statement posted on the organization's website. in the terrible attacks of October 7th.
Therefore, and “to protect the organization’s ability to provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population,” Lazzarini announces that he has made the decision to “terminate the contracts of these UNRWA employees with immediate effect” and “initiate an investigation into “To find out the truth about what happened without delay.”
Lazzarini assures us of this “Any UNRWA staff involved in terrorist attacks will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.”
The Commissioner, on behalf of the Agency, therefore reiterates “his condemnation in the strongest possible terms of the heinous attacks of October 7th and calls for the unconditional and immediate return of all Israeli hostages” into the hands of the Palestinian militias and “their safe return.” for their families.
Finally, Lazzarini stated that “these shocking allegations” come at a time when “more than two million people in the Gaza Strip rely on the vital assistance that the agency has provided since the beginning of the war,” and warned: “Anyone who The UN is also betraying the people it serves in Gaza, the region and elsewhere in the world.”
UN Secretary General announces “comprehensive” investigation
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres released a statement shortly after confirming that Lazzarini had already informed him of the situation regarding these “extremely serious” allegations against several members of the organization.
In the note, Guterres says he is “appalled by this news” and asks Lazzarini to “expeditiously” investigate this matter to ensure that “any UNRWA staff member whose involvement or support in what happened on October 7 or was or was involved in another criminal incident, … “proven,” “immediately discontinued,” and “processed for possible criminal charges.”
Finally, the Secretary General of the United Nations announced an “urgent and comprehensive review” of the refugee agency itself, without giving further details.