Trump probes UNRWA as 1,500 staff May Have Hamas link Affiliation

The Trump administration has launched an expanded investigation into the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), with U.S. officials examining allegations that more than 1,500 current and former employees may have links to Hamas and other designated terrorist organisations.

The probe, led by the independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) connected to the former USAID structure, goes well beyond previous United Nations investigations into the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Probe widens beyond October 7

While a 2024 UN internal investigation examined allegations against 19 UNRWA employees accused of involvement in the October 7 attacks, only nine staff members were dismissed after investigators said there was sufficient reason to terminate their employment. The remaining allegations were not substantiated.

U.S. investigators have now dramatically widened the scope, examining whether UNRWA employees have broader links to Hamas and other foreign terrorist organisations, regardless of whether they participated directly in the October 7 attacks.

According to U.S. officials familiar with the investigation, at least 1,500 current or former UNRWA staff members are now under review.

More than 100 referred for sanctions

The Inspector General recently referred 108 current or former UNRWA employees to the State Department for suspension or exclusion from working with organisations receiving U.S. funding.

Among those identified were school principals, deputy principals, teachers, security personnel, counsellors and medical workers.

Investigators allege that some held operational roles within Hamas, including commanders, snipers and communications officers. Others are accused of helping coordinate military activities or working from facilities where Hamas infrastructure, including tunnel shafts and anti-tank positions, was allegedly located.

The investigation is also expected to generate further referrals to the State Department and possible criminal referrals to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Trump administration hardens stance

A senior U.S. official said the investigation was designed to ensure American taxpayers do not finance individuals connected to terrorist organisations.

Officials argue the probe succeeds where earlier UN inquiries fell short by examining long-term organisational links rather than focusing solely on the October 7 attacks.

The State Department has already barred one former UNRWA school principal, Hafez Mousa Mohammed Mousa, from future work involving U.S. government funding after investigators alleged he coordinated communications with Hamas during the October 7 assault.

Pressure grows to end UNRWA funding

The latest findings are likely to intensify calls from Washington for international donors to end financial support for UNRWA.

The Trump administration has repeatedly argued that the agency has been deeply infiltrated by Hamas and insists no U.S. funding will be restored.

Officials involved with the administration's Board of Peace initiative have also argued that any transition away from UNRWA must be carefully managed to ensure food, healthcare, vaccinations and other humanitarian services continue uninterrupted for Gaza's civilian population.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, are urging further action to eliminate alleged terrorist links within the agency and reform the wider UN system.

Source: Fox News Digital