UNRWA investigates: Were staff involved in Hamas terror in Israel?
Published: Friday, Jan 26th 2024, 19:20
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The UN Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) wants to investigate the possible involvement of several of its employees in the Hamas massacre in Israel. The Swiss Foreign Ministry has expressed its extreme concern and is in contact with UNRWA.
Switzerland pursues a policy of zero tolerance towards any support for terrorism and any incitement to hatred or violence, as the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) announced on Friday at the request of Keystone-SDA. It expects the same from its partners. The FDFA has taken note of the immediate measures taken by UNRWA, in particular the decision to dismiss the accused employees with immediate effect and to initiate an investigation.
Switzerland expects the investigation to fully clarify the serious allegations and will then decide on how to proceed. The FDFA was informed of the serious allegations against UNRWA employees on Friday.
The Swiss contribution of around CHF 20 million to UNRWA in the current year had already caused discussion during the budget debate in the winter session. A conservative majority in the National Council originally wanted to cancel it, but the Council of States opposed it, as there was a risk of damage to Switzerland's foreign policy reputation if it was unable to pay out the promised funds. Opponents of deletion in both chambers also referred to the precarious humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
In the end, Parliament gave the Federal Council a free hand in the matter. However, it cut the Foreign Ministry's credit for humanitarian actions by ten million francs.
Contracts terminated
"I have taken the decision to terminate the contracts of these employees immediately and to launch an investigation to find out the truth without delay," said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, according to a statement released by the UN relief organization on Friday. These are "shocking accusations". Israel had provided UNRWA with information about the alleged involvement of several employees. "Any UNRWA staff member involved in terrorist attacks will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution."
The United States is extremely concerned, the US State Department announced. The provision of additional funds for UNRWA has therefore been temporarily suspended, it said. The allegations are now being investigated. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday about the need to investigate the matter thoroughly and quickly. The statement from the US State Department referred to allegations against twelve UNRWA employees.
Guterres was appalled by the news that several UNRWA employees could be involved in the terrorist attacks in Israel. He also threatened those involved with immediate dismissal and criminal prosecution should the investigation reveal their involvement in the attacks.
"Anyone who betrays the fundamental values of the United Nations also betrays those we serve in Gaza, throughout the region and elsewhere in the world," Lazzarini continued. More than two million people in Gaza have been in need of aid since the war began. Lazzarini did not say how employees may have been involved in the terrorist attack on Israel.
According to the UNRWA Commissioner-General, the UN Relief and Works Agency condemns the "heinous attacks of October 7" in the strongest possible terms and demands the release of all hostages kidnapped from Israel.
In the devastating attack, terrorists from Hamas and other extremist Palestinian groups murdered more than 1,200 people in Israel. Israel responded with massive air strikes and a ground offensive. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 26,000 people were killed. In view of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the sealed-off coastal area, Israel is coming under increasing international pressure.
According to the German government, it supported the UN relief organization with more than 200 million euros in 2023. In November last year, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced an increase in aid for UNRWA, among others, due to the suffering of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. Other EU states are also among the donors.
©Keystone/SDA
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