A recent US intelligence assessment regarding Israel's accusations of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) staff involvement in a Hamas attack on 7 October has shed new light on the situation. The report mentioned that some of the accusations against UNRWA employees were deemed credible but could not be independently verified. However, doubts were raised about wider claims of collaboration between the agency and Hamas.

Israel had previously accused 12 UNRWA employees of taking part in the October attack, which led to a full-scale invasion of Gaza that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. The accusations also included the claim that 10% of all UNRWA workers were affiliated with Hamas.

The intelligence report, released last week, stated "low confidence" in the basic claim of staff involvement in the attack, though it acknowledged the credibility of the accusations without independent confirmation. It also highlighted the lack of evidence supporting broader allegations of collaboration between UNRWA and Hamas.

The report further revealed that Israel did not share the raw intelligence behind its assessments with the US, leading to skepticism among some sources familiar with the situation. Antony Blinken, the secretary of state, had previously deemed Israel's accusations as "highly, highly credible".

In response to the allegations, nine of the accused UNRWA staff members were dismissed, despite concerns about the lack of due process in their termination. The commissioner general of UNRWA expressed a desire for Israel to provide evidence to support the investigation team to ensure a fair process.

With around 2 million Palestinians displaced by the conflict since October 7th, and many facing critical shortages of essentials like food, water, and medical aid, the UN has warned of an impending public health crisis. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, emphasized the agency's shift towards emergency response to address the immediate needs of the affected population.

Additionally, a separate UN report raised serious concerns about credible allegations of sexual assaults on Palestinian women and girls by male Israeli army officers, including instances of rape and degrading treatment. The report called on Israel to uphold the rights and safety of Palestinian women and ensure protection against all forms of violence.

The unfolding situation underscores the complex dynamics in the region, with the need for transparency and accountability in addressing such serious accusations and improving humanitarian assistance in Gaza.