UN official says he has not seen evidence linking workers to hostages in Gaza

The United Nations’ top humanitarian aid official, Tom Fletcher, has denied any involvement of the U.N. in the holding of hostages in Gaza. Despite claims from former Hamas hostages that they were held in U.N. facilities or by U.N. staff, Fletcher stated that he has not seen any evidence to support these claims.

During a news conference, Fletcher emphasized that he has asked for evidence but has not received any that suggests U.N. involvement in holding hostages. He also made it clear that if there is evidence of a U.N. worker being involved in acts of terrorism or hostage-taking, an investigation will be conducted, with Fletcher leading the effort himself.

One of the former hostages, Emily Damari, alleged that she was held at a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) facility while in captivity. However, Fletcher explained that the facility was a shelter previously used by the U.N. before being bombed by the Israelis, and it was likely that Hamas utilized the facility after the U.N. had left.

Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon called for a thorough investigation into these claims, stating that the U.N. should focus on investigating the serious allegations rather than demonizing Israel. Anne Bayefsky, director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust, criticized the U.N.’s response, accusing them of denying and deflecting evidence of U.N. complicity in terrorism.

While Fletcher maintains that he has not seen any evidence of U.N. involvement in holding hostages, the U.N. Office of Oversight Services (OIOS) acknowledged that UNRWA staff members may have been involved in attacks. The OIOS found insufficient evidence to prove the involvement of nine workers but did not completely rule out the possibility.

In response to Fletcher’s statements, Fox News reached out to a representative for Damari’s family for comment but did not receive a response. The investigation into these claims continues, with Fletcher committed to uncovering the truth behind the allegations of U.N. involvement in hostage situations in Gaza.