A United Nations agency focused on Palestinian refugees is under investigation by U.S. officials for alleged ties to terrorism.
The U.N. Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA, has more than 1,500 employees currently being examined for connections to extremist activities.
U.S. authorities have urged member states to stop funding the agency after long‑standing concerns about school materials that may promote terror, the presence of underground tunnels beneath UNRWA schools, and allegations that staff participated in a recent attack on Israel.
In 2024, the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services investigated claims that 19 UNRWA employees were involved in the attack. The investigation found insufficient evidence for ten employees and terminated the contracts of nine.
The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of the Inspector General, a separate law‑enforcement body, continues to probe 1,500 UNRWA staff. It has referred 108 current or former employees to the State Department for suspension or exclusion from work with U.S.‑funded organizations because they were linked to the attack or to terrorist groups.
A senior U.S. official said the investigation extends beyond participation in the attack, aiming to prevent aid workers who belong to foreign terrorist organizations from receiving U.S. funding.
The report lists individuals referred for debarment, including school principals, teachers, security staff, counselors, and medical professionals. Some were identified as holding positions within the terrorist organization, such as deputy company commanders and squad leaders, and were reported to have participated in attacks or coordinated communications.
Specific allegations include a teacher who was ordered to deliver anti‑tank missiles during the attack and a deputy principal charged with communications. The Office of the Inspector General plans to make additional referrals to the Department of Justice.
As a result of the investigations, the State Department has barred a former UNRWA principal from future work with U.S. government entities. That principal had coordinated communications with the terrorist organization during the attack.
Officials have stated that no funding will be provided to UNRWA, citing infiltration by terrorist sympathizers and the agency’s involvement in extremist activities.
The removal of UNRWA from Gaza will require careful planning to avoid gaps in essential aid delivery, including health services, vaccinations, food, and other supplies.
Political leaders have called for action to address the agency’s alleged radicalization and to support sustainable solutions for the Palestinian population.
Humanitarian operations in Gaza have faced increasing obstruction and violence from authorities linked to the terrorist organization, raising concerns about the safety and effectiveness of aid efforts.
