In a shocking development, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has terminated the contracts of several employees following allegations of their involvement in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. The attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in Israel.

The Israeli authorities provided UNRWA with information regarding the alleged involvement of these employees in the horrific attack. In order to protect the agency's ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, the commissioner-general of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, made the decision to immediately terminate the employees and launch an investigation to establish the truth without delay.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for an urgent investigation by UNRWA to ensure that the organization's humanitarian activities are not abused by terrorist elements within its ranks. Both Israel and the United Nations have not provided further details regarding the allegations.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, urging a thorough and swift investigation into the allegations. The U.S. State Department revealed that twelve UNRWA employees were allegedly involved in the attack. As a result, the United States has temporarily paused additional funding for the agency to review the allegations and the steps taken by the United Nations to address them.

UNRWA plays a critical role in providing aid and support to Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It estimates that up to 1.9 million people are seeking shelter in or near its facilities, including schools and aid warehouses. The agency has been coordinating the delivery of vital food and medical supplies into Gaza.

Sadly, UNRWA's facilities have often been targeted in the conflict. On Jan. 24, a building within UNRWA's training center in Khan Younis was hit by shells, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people and injuring 56 others. The agency stated that the building had provided shelter to 800 displaced individuals. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has denied any involvement in the incident, stating that their examination of operational systems ruled out an aerial or artillery strike.

The ongoing fighting in Khan Younis has claimed the lives of dozens of people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Since the beginning of the war, it is estimated that over 26,000 lives have been lost in Gaza, including both combatants and civilians, primarily women and children.

Commissioner-General Lazzarini expressed his shock over the allegations against the UNRWA employees, emphasizing that the agency's assistance is vital for the more than 2 million people in Gaza who rely on their lifesaving support. He stated that anyone who betrays the fundamental values of the United Nations also betrays those whom they serve in Gaza, the region, and around the world.

Given the gravity of the allegations and the need for transparency, a thorough investigation must be conducted to determine the truth and ensure the integrity of UNRWA’s humanitarian efforts.