Over 100 UNRWA staff referred to US State Department over Hamas ties, Oct. 7 attacks

More than 100 current or former UNRWA staff members have been referred to the U.S. State Department for alleged involvement in the October 7, 2023, massacre or affiliation with Hamas's military wing. The USAID Office of Inspector General (USAID OIG) confirmed these referrals, which could lead to suspension or disbarment from their roles within the UN agency.

The group of referred individuals encompasses a range of positions, including UNRWA school principals, teachers, security personnel, attendants, psychosocial counselors, and medical professionals. Some of these individuals were previously referred by USAID OIG, but additional information has since emerged. Notably, two deputy school principals were identified as serving in senior positions within Hamas's Izzadin al-Qassem Brigade, with one acting as a deputy company commander and another as a squad leader.

Further details reveal a teacher who also served as a Hamas soldier allegedly delivered anti-tank missiles for the October 7 attacks. Another deputy school principal reportedly commanded a Hamas platoon and had communications responsibilities during the massacre. If the State Department acts on these referrals, the 101 individuals would be excluded from working with any future U.S.-funded aid organizations.

These referrals have already resulted in the disbarment of Hafez Mousa Mohammed Mousa, an operative of the Hamas East Jabaliya Battalion and an UNRWA school principal, who allegedly coordinated communications during the October 7 attacks. UNRWA has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.