Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss delivered a scathing indictment. He criticized the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. He gave this speech on 13 December 2024. The Ambassador reports on a press briefing. He discussed the deep and systemic infiltration of the Hamas terrorist group within UNRWA in Gaza. On the press briefing, Ambassador Fluss presented compelling evidence demonstrating Hamas’s control over various aspects of UNRWA’s operations in Gaza.
The briefing followed a July 4th letter from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. The letter contained a list of 100 UNRWA employees. These employees were identified as being involved in terrorist activities. The letter demanded urgent action and accountability. Ambassador Fluss stated that despite this letter, UNRWA has failed to adequately address the problem.
The evidence presented paints a disturbing picture. Ambassador Fluss highlighted instances where UNRWA facilities have been used to conduct Hamas attacks and shelter terrorists. They discovered the bodies of four Israeli hostages. These bodies were in a tunnel originating beneath an UNRWA school. This reveals the organization’s complicity in concealing Hamas operations. Further, the briefing showcased footage of armed Hamas terrorists. They operated openly within an UNRWA logistics compound in Eastern Rafah. They utilized UNRWA vehicles. They even targeted civilians from within the compound’s vicinity. In another incident, Hamas operatives launched an attack on Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) from within another UNRWA school. The operatives included at least one anti-tank missile operative and a member of the elite Hamas Nukhba unit.
Ambassador Fluss also criticized UNRWA’s educational system in the Gaza Strip. He alleged that it fails to address incitement adequately. He also claimed it does not address the glorification of violence against Israel. He argued that the educational curriculum actively contributes to the creation of a climate where Hamas recruitment thrives.
“The evidence is irrefutable,” declared Ambassador Fluss. “UNRWA’s failure to address Hamas’s infiltration is not just a matter of negligence. It’s a direct contribution to the ongoing conflict. It is also a betrayal of the trust placed in it by the international community.” He asked the international community to demand immediate investigations into UNRWA’s operations. These investigations must be transparent. He also urged them to hold accountable those responsible for enabling Hamas’ activities. He further urged for significant reforms within UNRWA to ensure its neutrality and prevent its continued exploitation by terrorist organizations. The Ambassador reiterated Israel’s commitment to uncovering further evidence of Hamas’s activities and bringing all responsible to justice. The briefing concluded with a renewed call. UNRWA must cooperate fully with investigations. It must take decisive action to sever ties with Hamas.
