International
UN to sack 9 staff over Hamas attacks on Israel
The United Nations has resolved to sack nine staff working for its Palestine refugee agency, UNRWA, for their involvement in the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks against Israel.
The development followed the conclusion of an investigation by the UN Office of Oversight Services (OIOS) launched earlier this year.
Israel alleged that several UNRWA personnel took part in the assault on its territory in which some 1,200 people were killed and another 250 were taken to Gaza as hostages.
However, OIOS was not able to independently authenticate information used by Israel to support the allegations.
OIOS is the highest investigative body in the UN system and its reports are confidential but can be made available to Member States on request.
The UN Deputy Spokesman, Farhan Haq, told journalists on Tuesday investigators made findings in relation to 19 UNRWA staff alleged to have been involved in the attacks.
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He said: “In one case, no evidence was obtained by OIOS to support the allegations of the staff member’s involvement, while in nine other cases, the evidence obtained by OIOS was insufficient to support the staff members’ involvement.”
He said appropriate measures would be taken in due course on the 10 cases in conformity with UNRWA Regulations and Rules.
UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, issued a statement acknowledging the completion of the probe.
“I have decided that in the case of these remaining nine staff members, they cannot work for UNRWA. All contracts of these staff members will be terminated in the interest of the Agency,” he said.
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