Israeli Minister Gallant: 12 UNRWA employees involved in October 7 attacks
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has alleged that 12 employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), whose identities he disclosed, were involved in the October 7 attacks.
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According to a report by The Times of Israel, Gallant made statements to foreign press members regarding his allegations that UNRWA personnel were involved in the October 7 attacks.
Gallant shared the identities of 12 UNRWA employees, whom he claimed "actively participated" in the October 7 attacks.
Defense Minister Gallant further alleged that they possess significant intelligence-based evidence indicating that more than 30 UNRWA staff members, in addition to the 12 employees, were involved in the October 7 attacks.
UNRWA'S FUNCTION AND ISRAEL'S ALLEGATIONS
Funded by voluntary contributions from UN member states, UNRWA has been the primary organization providing humanitarian aid—such as food, healthcare, education, and shelter—to Palestinian refugees since it began operations in 1950. The agency provides support to 5.9 million Palestinian refugees.
While UNRWA has been trying to heal the wounds of Palestinians for approximately 74 years, its facilities have been repeatedly struck by Israel during this process, and tons of food and medicine have been destroyed.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had requested an urgent investigation into the allegations by Israeli officials that UNRWA personnel were involved in the October 7 attacks.
UNRWA has also launched an investigation into Israel's allegations.
Israel wants UNRWA's operations to be completely terminated and for the agency to leave the region.