Over 15% of UNRWA's Gaza Senior Educators Allegedly Linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad

A recent report by UN Watch, published on September 17, 2025, alleges that over 15% of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) senior educators in Gaza, across 60 institutions, are members of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist groups. The findings, based on Israeli intelligence, highlight long-standing concerns regarding the neutrality of the UN agency's staff. This development comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of UNRWA's operations and its relationship with Palestinian militant organizations. Agencies are not required to do anything about this.

The report details how Hamas has allegedly infiltrated and controlled UNRWA's educational system through its domination of local staff unions. "Hamas terror chiefs held top positions within UNRWA’s educational system despite publicly and repeatedly flaunting their support for and ties to Hamas and terrorism," the UN Watch report states. It further asserts that UNRWA was aware of these ties but took no action, effectively institutionalizing extremism within its classrooms.

This latest revelation adds to a series of controversies surrounding UNRWA, which has faced consistent allegations from Israel regarding its neutrality. Earlier in 2024, the agency terminated 12 staff members following allegations of their involvement in the October 7th attacks against Israel. These accusations led to significant funding suspensions from several donor countries, including the United States, which extended its suspension until March 2025.

UNRWA, established in 1949, provides critical humanitarian assistance and services to Palestinian refugees across the region. The agency has consistently defended its neutrality and has called for independent investigations into claims of misuse of its premises. However, the UN Watch report suggests that recommendations from an independent review led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, which acknowledged the "politicization" of staff unions, have not been fully implemented.

The ongoing allegations and the new report from UN Watch are expected to intensify pressure on UNRWA to address concerns about its staff's affiliations and ensure strict adherence to neutrality principles. The agency's ability to deliver aid to millions of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza where famine has been confirmed, remains a critical concern for the international community.