UN Watch says UNRWA reforms are superficial and fail to curb Hamas links
The UN watchdog UN Watch claims the United Nations Relief and Works Agency has overstated progress on reforms meant to eliminate Hamas influence among its staff.
According to UN Watch’s latest report, UNRWA’s claim of completing 41 of 50 reform recommendations exaggerates real progress, as many items are merely policies or drafts without full implementation. The watchdog highlights the agency’s inability to reliably screen employees for Hamas ties, pointing to the example of Imad Yousef al Samhouri, a staff member celebrated by Hamas after his death. It also accuses UNRWA’s schools of continuing to teach content that glorifies jihad and antisemitism, referencing a union tribute to Hamas militant Nabhan al Amsi.
UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer stresses that issuing policies is not equivalent to enforcing them. The report follows earlier Israeli accusations that UNRWA employed individuals linked to the Oct. 7 attacks, prompting terminations of several staff members, though the UN clarified those dismissals were not a validation of the allegations. A leaked USAID inspector-general review also found the UN’s internal probe on the issue to be limited and ineffective.
Why it matters
The credibility of a major UN aid agency is at stake, affecting aid delivery to millions of Palestinian refugees.
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