UN provides update on probe into Israeli allegations against UNRWA staff
OIOS investigators 'will undertake another visit during May' to Israel, says spokesman
HAMILTON, Canada
The UN on Friday provided an update on the ongoing investigation by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) into allegations made by Israel against staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) following events on Oct. 7.
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric disclosed details during a news conference, saying that the OIOS has been probing the conduct of 19 UNRWA members, including 12 originally flagged in January whose contracts were terminated, along with an additional seven individuals brought to their attention later.
"Of that group, eight staff members remain under OIOS investigation," stated Dujarric. "One case was closed, as no evidence was provided by Israel to support the allegations against the staff member. We are exploring corrective administrative action to be taken in that person’s case."
Dujarric also noted that three cases were suspended due to insufficient information from Israel, requiring further deliberation on administrative actions by UNRWA.
Regarding the seven cases reported since January, one has been temporarily suspended pending additional evidence, while the remaining six are actively being investigated by the OIOS.
The spokesman further mentioned that OIOS investigators engaged in discussions with Israeli authorities, with plans to "undertake another visit during May."
"These discussions are continuing and have so far been productive and have enabled progress on the investigations," said Dujarric.
UNRWA has been hindered from doing its job since January, when Israel accused a handful of its thousands of employees of being involved in the Hamas attacks on Israel.
Amid a probe of the claims, several countries have cut off funding to the agency, and its aid work for Gaza’s famine-stricken population has suffered.
At least 18 countries initially suspended funding to the agency amid the allegations.
UNRWA was created by the UN General Assembly more than 70 years ago to assist Palestinians who were forcibly displaced from their land.
The agency provides crucial support to millions of Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and other areas where large numbers of registered Palestinians live.
