Story perspectives

US Probe Links UNRWA Employees to Hamas, 70 Dismissed

6/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Agency for International Development Inspector General probe linked 100 UNRWA employees to Hamas, prompting a mass dismissal.
UNRWA dismissed 70 Gaza staff, saying the move is not disciplinary and aiming to reduce safety-security risks for refugees.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry called UNRWA’s explanation a cynical cover-up avoiding Hamas.
Republicans led by Intelligence Committee chair Tom Cotton urged President Donald Trump to dismantle UNRWA and cut its UN budget.

History

Historical Context

In January 2006 Hamas won 74 of 132 Legislative Council seats, prompting Israel, United States and the Quartet to sanction Palestinian Authority and suspend UNRWA funding, including a $100 million U.S. aid cut and vetting of its 32,000 staff. USAID Inspector General probe linking about 100 UNRWA employees to Hamas revives those 2006 concerns, leading Israel’s foreign ministry and Congressman Tom Cotton to call for dismantling the agency.

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Story summary

The U.S. Agency for International Development Inspector General probe linked 100 UNRWA employees to Hamas, prompting a mass dismissal.
UNRWA dismissed 70 Gaza staff, saying the move is not disciplinary and aiming to reduce safety-security risks for refugees.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry called UNRWA’s explanation a cynical cover-up avoiding Hamas.
Republicans led by Intelligence Committee chair Tom Cotton urged President Donald Trump to dismantle UNRWA and cut its UN budget.

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