UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric provided an update on Friday on the recent UN investigation into UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians in the Near East (UNWRA) staff, saying that one case has been closed and three suspended. Eight staff members remain under investigation. The investigation came after Israeli claimed that UNWRA staff in Gaza were involved in the Hamas-led October 7 terror attack. The investigations are being led by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).
Dujarrac, in Friday’s press conference, said OIOS was investigating a total of 19 staff: the 12 from the initial allegations and 7 more that “the UN has since received information about.” He provided an update that one case was closed as “no evidence” was provided by Israel to substantiate the claims, with planned “corrective administrative action to be taken.” Three cases have been suspended “as the information provided by Israel is not sufficient for OIOS to proceed with an investigation.”
OIOS continues to investigate the remaining cases. Dujarrac said:
OIOS has informed us that its investigators had travelled to Israel for discussions with the Israeli authorities and will undertake another visit during May. These discussions are continuing and have so far been productive and have enabled progress on the investigations.
Israel’s allegations against 12 UNRWA staff were orally raised to UNWRA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini by an Israeli diplomat in January 2024. The 10 staff members identified were immediately fired and an OIOS probe was opened. Lazzarini announced that UNWRA would additionally be subject to an independent expert review.
The claims resulted in many countries’ withdrawal of vital funding from UNWRA. This included the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the EU. This drew concern from NGOs, human rights groups, and the UN itself, as 87% of people in Gaza depend on UNWRA’s services. However, several countries have now resumed funding since then.
The independent review’s final report, published on Monday and led by Ms. Catherine Colonna, clarified that Israel has yet to provide evidence to substantiate its claims against the employees. It said, “the Israeli Government has not informed UNRWA of any concerns relating to any UNRWA staff based on these staff lists since 2011.”
The report details the financial impact of the donor withdrawal at around 450 million USD, and emphasized UNRWA’s role as a “lifeline” to people in Gaza. It recommended a UN action plan which involves additional staff screening and an updated code of ethics. These recommendations have been officially accepted by Lazzarini.
