Was UNRWA's Head of Operations in Gaza Part of Hamas?

UNRWA Claims Innocence, Hamas Denies Involvement

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has denied allegations that its head of operations in Gaza, Mohammed al-Halabi, was a member of Hamas. UNRWA Spokesperson Chris Gunness said, "There is absolutely no evidence that Mohammed al-Halabi was a member of Hamas."

Al-Halabi was arrested by Israeli authorities in June 2016 and accused of being a member of Hamas and diverting UN funds to the organization. Hamas has denied any involvement, and Al-Halabi has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Allegations and Evidence

Israeli authorities have accused Al-Halabi of using his position at UNRWA to divert over $100 million in UN funds to Hamas. They also claim that he used UNRWA's infrastructure to store and transport weapons for Hamas.

UNRWA has denied these allegations, saying that there is no evidence to support them. Gunness said, "We have no evidence that any UN funds were diverted to Hamas or any other armed group."

The Israeli authorities have provided some evidence to support their claims, including financial records and witness testimony. However, UNRWA has disputed the authenticity of this evidence.

International Community Response

The international community has called for a full and transparent investigation into the allegations against Al-Halabi.

The United Nations has said that it will cooperate with any investigation into the matter.

The United States has expressed concern about the allegations and has called for a full investigation.

The European Union has also expressed concern and has called for a transparent investigation.