In a recent report conducted by an independent panel, it was revealed that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has "robust" procedures in place to maintain its neutrality, but serious gaps in implementation have been identified. The review was initiated in response to allegations made by Israel, claiming that a dozen UNRWA employees had participated in Hamas' attacks on October 7th.

The 48-page report, released on Monday, highlighted various areas of concern within UNRWA's operations. It noted instances where staff openly expressed political views, textbooks with problematic content used in the agency's schools, and staff unions causing disruptions. To address these issues, the panel put forth 50 recommendations for improving UNRWA's neutrality.

According to the report, between 2017 and 2022, the annual number of allegations regarding breaches of neutrality at UNRWA ranged from seven to 55. However, during the period between January 2022 and February 2024, the report revealed that the UN received a total of 151 allegations, with the majority being related to social media posts made public by external sources.

One significant finding in the report was related to the neutrality of UNRWA staff. The panel, headed by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, found that Israel had never expressed concern about the staff lists it received from the agency annually since 2011. Israeli officials reportedly stated that the lists were not considered a screening or vetting process but rather a procedure to register diplomats. The report noted that Israeli claims of UNRWA employees being members of terrorist organizations lacked supporting evidence.

It is important to note that the independent review panel was specifically tasked with evaluating UNRWA's neutrality and not investigating the Israeli allegations regarding the October 7th attacks. To address the latter, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ordered a separate investigation by the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). An update on the OIOS investigation is expected in the coming days.

Israel's allegations had led to the suspension of contributions to UNRWA by the United States and several other countries, accounting for a funding pause of approximately $450 million. However, some countries have since resumed their contributions. Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Ministry has called on donor countries to refrain from providing funds to the organization, expressing dissatisfaction with the findings of the Colonna report.

Despite the criticism, Catherine Colonna urged the Israeli government to take the recommendations of the independent review into consideration. She emphasized that implementing the suggested measures would lead to positive change. UNRWA's Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini acknowledged the importance of maintaining the agency's neutrality, stating that they are working on a plan to implement the report's recommendations.

The report reaffirms the crucial role played by UNRWA in providing essential social services, healthcare, and education to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. The United Nations, in light of the report's clear recommendations, hopes to see the return of previous donors and the addition of new sources of funding for the agency.

In conclusion, while the independent review acknowledges UNRWA's efforts to uphold neutrality, it also highlights the need for significant improvements in implementation. The report's recommendations aim to address the gaps identified and ensure the agency's continued vital role in providing aid to Palestinian refugees until a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is achieved.