Days before Trump halted funding, ex-Israeli hostage reveals she was held at UNRWA school in Gaza

British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari and her mother, Mandy, recently disclosed the harrowing details of Emily’s captivity in a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) center in Gaza, which was linked to Hamas operations. Emily, 28, was held captive after being abducted by Hamas terrorists, who shot her in the hand and leg on October 7, 2023.

During her captivity, Emily was denied proper medical care, with only an outdated bottle of iodine provided as medical aid. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later discovered tunnels and ammunition tied to Hamas activities beneath the UNRWA school where Emily was held. This revelation raised serious concerns about UNRWA’s role in Gaza and its potential collaboration with terrorist organizations.

In a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Emily and Mandy highlighted the urgent need for international pressure on Hamas and UNRWA to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to the remaining 82 hostages still held in captivity. They emphasized that many of the hostages are elderly or severely injured, and their suffering continues.

The UK government’s continued support for UNRWA despite these troubling revelations has sparked criticism. President Donald Trump’s administration has maintained a freeze on U.S. funding to the agency, citing concerns about its ties to Hamas and lack of accountability. The U.N. and UNRWA initially dismissed allegations of hostages being held in their facilities, but mounting evidence has forced them to acknowledge the claims.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s commissioner-general, expressed relief at Emily’s release but downplayed the severity of the allegations. Critics, including former U.N. investigator Peter Gallo, have questioned UNRWA’s lack of transparency and accountability in response to the crisis. Gallo criticized the internal investigation conducted by UNRWA as a “farce” and raised concerns about the agency’s handling of staff members involved in criminal activities.

Despite UNRWA’s claims of neutrality and adherence to U.N. values, reports suggest that Hamas has exploited the agency for its own interests. Yona Schiffmiller, director of research at NGO Monitor, highlighted Hamas’ involvement in aid distribution and its influence on humanitarian activities in Gaza. The Israeli Knesset has passed legislation banning UNRWA from operating in Israel, citing its ties to terrorism.

In response to the growing scrutiny, UNRWA has reiterated its commitment to neutrality and delivering aid to those in need. However, concerns about the agency’s accountability and potential collaboration with terrorist organizations persist. As the international community grapples with the fallout of Emily Damari’s captivity, the focus remains on holding Hamas and UNRWA accountable for their actions.