Israel Ends Cooperation with UNRWA Amid Accusations of Hamas Ties
On November 4, Israel announced it would no longer recognize the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). This decision was shared by Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, who tweeted a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The move follows new legislation from the Knesset that prevents Israeli officials from working with UNRWA.
Danon stated that Israel had provided evidence to the UN showing Hamas’s infiltration of UNRWA, but no action was taken. He emphasized that Israel will continue to work with humanitarian organizations that do not support terrorism.
UNRWA has faced criticism for months, with Israeli officials calling for its authority in Gaza to be revoked. This comes after revelations that some UNRWA staff were involved in Hamas’s attacks on October 7. A lawsuit was filed in June by over 100 survivors of these attacks, accusing UNRWA of aiding Hamas.
In February, Israel’s largest bank froze UNRWA’s account due to unexplained financial transfers. Israeli forces also found a Hamas complex under UNRWA’s Gaza City headquarters, connected to the agency’s electricity system. UNRWA was asked to leave its Jerusalem offices in May due to lease violations.
The October 7 attacks by Hamas resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 252 hostages. Of the 97 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas has also held two Israeli civilians captive since 2014 and 2015, along with the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.
Doubts Revealed
Israel -: Israel is a country in the Middle East, located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its historical and religious significance.
UNRWA -: UNRWA stands for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. It was created to support Palestinian refugees with education, health care, and other services.
Hamas -: Hamas is a Palestinian organization that governs the Gaza Strip. It is considered a terrorist group by some countries, including Israel, due to its violent actions.
Danny Danon -: Danny Danon is an Israeli politician who has served as Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations. He represents Israel’s interests at the UN.
Gaza -: Gaza is a small region on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the Palestinian territories and is governed by Hamas.
October 7 attacks -: The October 7 attacks refer to a specific event where Hamas was accused of carrying out violent actions. The details of these attacks are not specified in the summary.