The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet announced a military strike targeting a Hamas command center located in the UNRWA compound in the Gaza Strip. The strike was carefully planned to minimize harm to civilians and was aimed at disrupting multiple attacks on IDF troops and humanitarian efforts. The command center was also involved in overseeing the supply of weapons to Hamas terrorists, endangering those taking refuge in the UNRWA facility. Hamas was accused of using civilians and institutions as human shields for terrorist activities against Israel.
When approached about the strike on the UNRWA facility, a UNRWA spokesperson called for investigations into violations of the inviolability of United Nations premises. David Bedein, an Israeli expert on UNRWA, claimed that UNRWA facilities in various locations have been found to be filled with weapons, ammunition, and missiles, indicating a close connection between UNRWA and Hamas. Bedein also questioned UNRWA’s accountability for the weapons found in their facilities. The spokesperson for UNRWA called for accountability and investigations into all violations by all parties involved in the conflict in Gaza.
Over the weekend, Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner in charge of UNRWA, complained about denied humanitarian access by Israeli authorities and attacks on humanitarian workers and convoys. Israel’s Foreign Minister urged Lazzarini to resign over accusations that UNRWA workers participated in a Hamas-run massacre that resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,200 people, including over 30 Americans. Israel also canceled meetings with UNRWA representatives in response to these allegations and stated its intention to launch an incursion into the last major bastion of Hamas control, where a Hamas mastermind was reportedly using hostages as human shields.
The IDF and Shin Bet joint statement accused Hamas of systematically exploiting the civilian population and institutions as human shields for terrorist activities. When asked about Hamas using UNRWA facilities to store weapons and lodge terrorists, the UNRWA spokesperson claimed to have no information about the validity of such claims. The Israeli expert on UNRWA, David Bedein, has published reports documenting pro-terrorism and pro-antisemitic teaching in UNRWA’s curriculum and raised questions about the accountability of UNRWA for the weapons found in their facilities.
The strike on the UNRWA compound in Gaza was aimed at disrupting Hamas activities and minimizing harm to civilians. The accusations of Hamas using UNRWA facilities as command centers for terrorism have raised concerns about the proximity of civilians to potential military targets. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to increased scrutiny of UNRWA’s operations and its alleged connections to terrorist organizations. Israel’s response to these allegations, including canceling meetings with UNRWA representatives, highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for accountability and investigations into all parties involved in the conflict.
