Report Alleges UNRWA Workers Stealing Aid in Gaza

A new report by UN Watch has cast a shadow over the operations of the United Nations Relief Workers Association (UNRWA) in Gaza, alleging serious misconduct among its staff. According to the report, UNRWA workers have been accused of stealing humanitarian aid intended for Palestinian civilians and selling it back to them, exacerbating the hardships faced by those in need.

The allegations surfaced from discussions in a chatroom created by Haitham al-Sayyed, a former UNRWA school employee dismissed in 2016 after exposing a teacher's use of a map that erased Israel. The chatroom has served as a platform for UNRWA workers to express their frustrations and concerns about the mismanagement and ethical violations within the organization.

Several workers shared specific instances of misconduct, including the theft of food, diapers, and fuel, all meant for displaced Gazan families. One post detailed how 150 bags of diapers, designated for needy civilians, were stolen and resold. Another worker reported the absence of electricity at their school for over a month due to stolen fuel, with the alleged thief remaining employed despite being exposed.

Further complicating the situation, attempts to report these misdeeds were met with resistance and retaliation, with whistleblowers facing false accusations of embezzlement and subsequent dismissal. The report also highlights how some discussions in the chatroom devolved into making antisemitic remarks, with one poster equating thieves to Jews, showcasing a deeply ingrained bias and complicating the narrative around accountability and justice within the organization.

These revelations come at a time when UNRWA's integrity has been questioned due to its previous controversies involving ties with Hamas and other terror groups. The accusations pose serious questions about the effectiveness and ethics of humanitarian aid operations in conflict zones and highlight the necessity for stringent oversight and reform within international aid organizations.

The international community and stakeholders must address these allegations promptly to ensure that aid reaches those it is intended to help and to restore trust in the agencies tasked with providing critical support in crisis regions.

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