Bullets stored in UNRWA bags found in the Gaza Strip. (IDF)
The latest findings bring the number of individuals alleged to have participated in the Oct. 7 attacks to seven and the number of Hamas-affiliated employees to 14.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
The USAID Office of Inspector General has identified four additional current or former employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees as having alleged links to the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel or affiliation with Hamas, according to an official statement.
The individuals — three teachers and a social worker employed by UNRWA — are accused of participating in the holding of civilian hostages taken from Israel and/or involvement in the attacks.
Their cases have been referred to the US Department of State for possible suspension or debarment, a measure that would bar them from working with US-funded aid organizations.
The latest findings bring the total number of individuals referred for suspension or debarment to seven for alleged participation in the Oct. 7 attacks and 14 for suspected Hamas affiliation, the statement said.
The investigation has already led to the 10-year government-wide debarment of Hafez Mousa Mohammed Mousa, identified as an operative in Hamas’ East Jabaliya Battalion.
According to the USAID watchdog, he coordinated communications with other suspected Hamas members during the Oct. 7 attacks while serving as a UNRWA school principal.
The action marked the first known instance of the US debarring an individual linked to terrorism who was employed by a United Nations agency involved in humanitarian assistance, the statement said.
The Office of Inspector General said its investigation into alleged links between UNRWA staff and Hamas or the Oct. 7 attacks is ongoing, with additional referrals for suspension and debarment expected.
The watchdog said ensuring that US-funded humanitarian aid in Gaza does not reach Hamas or other designated foreign terrorist organizations remains a priority.
It added that further investigative work is underway to prevent individuals with alleged terrorist ties from moving between aid organizations operating in Gaza.
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