A leaked, secret document revealed that the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has placed at least eight members of the United Nations (UN) under arrest for their links to terrorism. Members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) arrested the members in the Gaza Strip and sent them back to Israel.
First reported by Hebrew outlet Maariv, they got access to the document after UNRWA requested Israel allow them to see the accused. With the arrests coming from October through early February, one employee specifically is alleged to have been involved in the Hamas attack of October 7th. On February 16th, Israel announced accusations against 12 UNRWA employees who had also allegedly participated, including in the taking of hostages in Southern Israel.
According to The Times of Israel, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, “In addition to these 12 workers [whose information was published], we have significant indications based on intelligence, that over 30 UNRWA workers participated in the massacre, facilitated the taking of hostages, looted and stole from Israeli communities, and more.” He also estimates at least 12% of UNRWA staff has ties to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Various investigations into the UN, specifically the UNRWA, uncovered ties to extremist organizations in the area. One report from the Wall Street Journal discovered at least 10% have heavy Islamic ties. An Israeli official said in the report that the UNRWA was essentially a haven for Hamas and other radical insurrections to flourish and recruit. Given the level of involvement and ties between the organization and terrorism, it unfortunately adds up.
