Can UNRWA be trusted? Mounting evidence of Hamas collusion

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has reported the deaths of five additional staff members in recent days, bringing the total number of fatalities among its personnel to 284, according to Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

Lazzarini confirmed the deaths in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the victims were teachers, doctors, and nurses serving vulnerable communities in Gaza. 

He expressed concern over the continued escalation, warning that “the worst is yet to come” as Israeli military operations intensify.

The ongoing Israeli airstrikes, naval bombardments, and ground invasion have led to a significant rise in civilian casualties, with UN personnel increasingly caught in the crossfire.

On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the targeting of UN personnel after a United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) staff member was killed when two UN guesthouses in Deir al-Balah were struck. 

Guterres reminded all parties involved that UN premises are well known and called for better protection of humanitarian workers.

Growing Scrutiny Over UNRWA’s Alleged Ties to Terrorism

Meanwhile, reports have surfaced indicating that some members of UNRWA were directly involved in the October 7 attacks and have maintained ties with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Gaza. These allegations have further intensified scrutiny over UNRWA’s operations and the affiliations of some of its personnel.

Lazzarini, a controversial figure, has faced criticism for allegedly spreading misleading information and displaying overt hostility toward Israel while strongly supporting the Palestinian cause. Reports have also linked him to contacts with Hamas and PIJ, raising further questions about the agency’s neutrality and credibility.

Given the history of UNRWA’s entanglements, observers caution that all statements and reports from the organization should be approached with extreme skepticism. 

The agency has repeatedly faced accusations of allowing its infrastructure and personnel to be exploited by terrorist groups operating in Gaza.

As the conflict rages on, concerns over the role of UN agencies in the region and their accountability continue to mount.