Hamas Combatants Operating Inside UNRWA Center, Israeli Defense Force Alleges

A group of Democratic lawmakers is calling for the U.S. to restore funding to a controversial United Nations agency that supports much-needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.

The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has released video footage that they claim shows Hamas terrorists operating inside a United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) base near Rafah. The allegations have sparked renewed controversy over the agency's operations and raised questions about the use of UN facilities by terrorist groups.

In response to the IDF's allegations, the UN has launched an investigation into the matter through its Office of Internal Oversight Services. The investigation reportedly looked into nearly 20 UNRWA staff members, but only found enough evidence to dismiss nine people.

Hamas Combatants Operating Inside UNRWA Center, Israeli Defense Force Alleges

Despite the findings of the UN's investigation, Israel has continued to provide the UNRWA with names of employees that they believe are working as terrorists within the organization. The Israeli government's allegations have led to a suspension of funding for UNRWA by top donor countries, including the United States.

The funding suspension has caused a cash crunch of $450 million for UNRWA, which has been distributing aid to Palestinians in Gaza during Israel's ongoing war with Hamas. The agency has around 30,000 employees.

Hamas Combatants Operating Inside UNRWA Center, Israeli Defense Force Alleges

A group of Democratic lawmakers has now introduced legislation, H.R. 9649, to restore funding to UNRWA. The lawmakers argue that the agency provides critical humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees and that the suspension of funding is putting lives at risk.

However, critics of the legislation have raised concerns about the UNRWA's alleged "connections to terrorism." Critics allege that UNRWA facilities have been used as Hamas command and control centers and weapons depots, and that a significant percentage of UNRWA's senior education leadership are members of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Hamas Combatants Operating Inside UNRWA Center, Israeli Defense Force Alleges

The UNRWA has denied these allegations and has stated that it takes any allegations of misconduct seriously. The agency has also stated that it has taken steps to address any concerns raised by donors.

The controversy over UNRWA's operations is likely to continue, especially in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The IDF's allegations and the subsequent investigation have raised questions about the impartiality of the agency and the use of UN facilities by terrorist groups.