In a recent development, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced on Monday that it has terminated the employment of several more staff members suspected of being linked to the Hamas-led attack against Israel on October 7. The decision comes after an internal investigation conducted by the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services raised concerns about their potential involvement in the attack.

The UN secretary-general's office released a brief statement to journalists, confirming the dismissal of the additional UNRWA employees. However, no specific details about their alleged role in the attack or the evidence that led to their termination were provided by Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the secretary-general.

This recent move follows the previous termination of 12 UNRWA staff members and the placement of seven others on unpaid administrative leave, all of whom were implicated in the same attack. Juliette Touma, the communications director for UNRWA, confirmed that the group of nine dismissed employees announced on Monday includes individuals from both previous groups. However, the total number of dismissals from the agency has not been clarified by the UN.

Israel had initially accused 12 UNRWA staff members of being involved in the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 others. The accusations prompted top donor countries to suspend their funding for UNRWA, causing a financial shortfall of approximately $450 million. However, all donor countries except the United States have since decided to resume their funding.

In response to the dismissals, Oren Marmorstein, the spokesperson for Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called for donor countries to halt their funding, citing concerns that the funds may be utilized by terrorist elements. Marmorstein argued that UNRWA should be replaced by other agencies as he believes it is part of the problem rather than the solution.

The investigation conducted by the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services relied on evidence provided by Israel during discussions with Israeli authorities. However, due to the lack of direct access, the investigators could not independently verify the evidence. The investigation also involved a review of internal UNRWA information, including staff records, email exchanges, and other communications data. Based on their findings, the investigators concluded that there was enough evidence to suggest the potential involvement of nine employees in the October 7 attack.

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, expressed his decision to terminate the remaining nine staff members implicated in the attack. Lazzarini emphasized that the agency's priority is to provide life-saving assistance and critical services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza and the surrounding region amidst ongoing conflict and the risk of further escalation. He also condemned the October 7 attack, reiterating UNRWA's commitment to humanitarian efforts.

UNRWA has been at the forefront of aid distribution to Palestinians in Gaza during the ten-month-long war, which has resulted in a significant loss of life and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, according to Gaza Health officials who claim over 39,600 people have been killed. Israel has long accused UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas and turning a blind eye to the militant group's activities. Throughout the conflict, Israel has shared evidence of tunnels located near UNRWA facilities and alleged that there are more UNRWA staff members with ties to militant groups.

During the war, far-right protesters have set parts of the UNRWA facility in Jerusalem on fire in their demonstrations against the agency. UNRWA has vehemently denied collaboration with Hamas and highlighted that over 200 UNRWA staff members have lost their lives while carrying out their humanitarian duties, with 190 of the agency's installations being damaged during the conflict – including U.N.-run schools that have been transformed into shelters for displaced Palestinians.