Head of UN watchdog says UNRWA hired people ‘who were supporting terrorism’

President Donald Trump has made significant foreign policy decisions in his early weeks in office, one of which includes cutting off U.S. funding to the controversial United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This move comes after accusations that UNRWA has ties to terrorists, allegations that have intensified during the Israel-Hamas conflict that began with a massacre on Oct. 7, 2023.

Former President Joe Biden initially halted U.S. funding to UNRWA in January 2024, after Israel accused members of the U.N. agency of participating in Hamas’ violent attacks. U.N. Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer has raised concerns about the agency, stating that while it was founded with good intentions, it has deviated from its original purpose.

Neuer argues that the issue with UNRWA extends beyond questionable definitions of Palestinian refugee status. He claims that the agency has employed individuals who support terrorism, citing examples such as Fathi al-Sharif, who served as the principal of a school run by UNRWA and was the head of Hamas in Lebanon. Neuer also highlights the case of Suhail al-Hindi, the former head of a local staff union in Gaza, who was dismissed after being elected to political office with Hamas.

In response to these allegations, UNRWA has stated that it prohibits any involvement of staff in militant or armed groups and has taken action against those found to have violated this policy. Despite this, Israel has demanded that UNRWA cease operations in Jerusalem and evacuate its premises, citing concerns about the agency’s impartiality and neutrality.

While Israel’s stance on UNRWA has evolved over time, Neuer criticizes other countries, including the U.S., for not taking more substantive action against the agency. He describes UNRWA as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” and argues that it has legitimized terrorist groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

In response to these claims, UNRWA has dismissed them as disinformation and asserts that it conducts investigations into allegations of misconduct, taking disciplinary measures where necessary. President Trump’s executive order has called for renewed scrutiny of UNRWA, the U.N. Human Rights Council, and UNESCO, citing concerns about their actions and effectiveness.

Overall, the controversy surrounding UNRWA highlights the complex challenges and competing interests in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how different countries and international organizations will navigate these contentious issues.