U.S. Policy Shift Urged for UNRWA Dismantlement Amid Renewed Hamas Allegations

Prominent voices are intensifying calls for the complete dismantlement of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), citing an alleged information operation aimed at reinstating the agency in Gaza. Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor, stated on social media that an "information operation [is] underway to influence the media and the U.S. government to bring UNRWA back into the fold in New Gaza." He urged against falling for this effort, advocating for the U.S. to lead the dismantlement of UNRWA globally.

Goldberg asserted that the core issue extends beyond a "handful of UNRWA employees who took part in October 7." He claimed that "thousands of employees are connected to Hamas and Islamic Jihad," and that UNRWA "partnered in every way with Hamas in Gaza," engaging in "terror sponsorship and financing issues" and radicalizing Palestinians. He concluded that "UNRWA can never be allowed to come back to Gaza."

These calls align with persistent allegations from Israeli officials, who have presented intelligence claiming that a dozen UNRWA employees were directly involved in the October 7 attacks. Further reports indicated that hundreds more UNRWA staff had ties to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, with some intelligence suggesting tunnels were found beneath UNRWA facilities. Israel has consistently argued that UNRWA is "irredeemably compromised" by its deep connections to militant groups.

Conversely, UNRWA has strongly denied systemic ties to Hamas, stating it takes all allegations of staff misconduct seriously. The agency reported conducting 66 investigations into neutrality breaches since 2022 and has dismissed staff accused of involvement in the October 7 attacks. An independent review led by Catherine Colonna found UNRWA had "robust" neutrality procedures, noting that Israel had not expressed concerns about staff lists provided annually since 2011.

The controversy has led to significant international repercussions, with major donors, including the U.S., suspending funding to UNRWA, impacting humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza. UNRWA officials have countered that these claims are unsubstantiated and have put their staff at risk, while also alleging that some employees were coerced by Israeli authorities into making false confessions about Hamas links.

Goldberg emphasized that a "New Gaza needs schools and teachers; they don't need UNRWA schools or teachers." He argued that UNRWA's continued existence prevents the reform of the Palestinian Authority and the deradicalization of Palestinian society. He further suggested that if Israel labels UNRWA a terrorist organization, the U.S. should respond with its own terrorism sanctions designation and pursue full dismantlement.