Nine UNRWA staff to be fired for possible involvement in October 7 attacks on Israel
This development comes following the conclusion of an investigation by the United Nations Oversight Office (OIOS), launched earlier this year after Israel alleged that some UNRWA soldiers were involved in a brutal attack on their territory, in which some 1,200 people were killed and 250 others were taken hostage in Gaza.
However, OIOS could not independently verify the information used by Israel to support the allegations.
Appropriate remedies and termination
OIOS is the highest investigative body in the United Nations system and its reports are confidential but can be made available to member states upon request.
Investigators have made findings implicating 19 UNRWA staff members allegedly involved in the attacks, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said. speak journalists in New York.
“In one case, OIOS failed to gather any evidence to support the allegations. of employee engagement, while In nine other cases, the evidence obtained by OIOS was insufficient to support the involvement of the employees.“, he say.
Regarding these 10 cases, he said appropriate measures will be taken promptly, in accordance with UNRWA’s Rules and Regulations.
For the remaining nine cases, evidence gathered by OIOS suggests that UNRWA staff may have been involved in the October 7 attacks.
UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini issued statement confirm completion of investigation.
“I have decided that in the case of these nine remaining staff members, they cannot work for UNRWA. All contracts of these staff members will be terminated in the interest of the Agency,” he said.
Unverified information
Asked about the alleged involvement of the staff, Mr Haq replied that he did not have specific information about the specific allegations.
The OIOS investigation included visits to Israel to talk with officials and to review information held by the authorities there, he said.
Investigators also traveled to Amman, Jordan, to collect and review relevant information held by UNRWA, including information about its staff and operations.
They also looked at information and communications technology data, such as email records and agency vehicle information, in addition to information from a variety of other sources, including information released to the media and other public sources, as well as communications with some member states.
“One thing I would like to point out, however, is that since the information that Israeli officials used to support the allegations remains in Israeli custody, OIOS cannot independently authenticate most of the information provided to it.,” he noted.
Parallel probe
The allegations emerged in January when Israel informed UNRWA of the alleged involvement of 12 staff members in the attacks. UNRWA right away identified and killed 10 people, while confirming two deaths.
The United Nations then received information from Israel about seven more cases – five in March and two in April.
After the initial accusations, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres immediately ordered OIOS to investigate.
He also appointed an independent review panel to conduct its own review of UNRWA to determine whether the agency has taken all possible steps to ensure neutrality and respond to allegations of serious violations when they arise.
The panel – headed by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna – has published its report in April.
Speaking at the time, she said “the current set of rules and mechanisms and procedures [at UNRWA] are the most complex issues in the United Nations system, precisely because they are so difficult to address in such a complex and sensitive environment.”
Mr. Lazzarini said UNRWA has begun implementing the council’s recommendations and is committed to fully implementing them.
“Finally, I reiterate UNRWA’s strongest condemnation of the attack on 7 October. I call – once again – for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and their safe return to their families,” he said.
Comments from the head of the United Nations
Mr Haq was asked about the Secretary-General’s views on the OIOS findings.
The UN chief “believes it is important that we do this very carefully, because the fact is that Any participation in these attacks would constitute a grave betrayal of trust.“, he say.
“It is clear that action was taken in the interests of the agency, very quickly and very decisively in dealing with the individuals who were named initially, and it is good to now have all the information available,” he added.
Referring to the war in Gaza, Mr. Haq also stressed the importance of remembering that A “large number” of UNRWA staff have been exposed to enormous risks for monthshelping hundreds of thousands of people survive, whether in shelters or by providing food and services.
“We want to ensure that the reputation of UNRWA staff, our dedicated staff, including some 200 who have lost their lives since 7 October, is fully recognised and that UNRWA receives the support it needs,” he said.
