Federal investigators are looking into staff members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for potential ties to Hamas, a group the U. S. considers a terrorist organization. This inquiry aims to ensure that U. S. foreign aid does not support individuals associated with such organizations.
1. Investigation Initiated: The chief oversight body responsible for U. S. foreign assistance began an independent investigation into UNRWA staffers' affiliations with Hamas, compiling a blacklist to prevent these individuals from moving to other U. N. roles related to the Gaza reconstruction effort.
2. Concern Over UNRWA: The U. N. has not designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, which complicates the criteria for employment within U. N. programs funded by U. S. taxpayers. As a result, some individuals may not be disqualified from U. N. jobs based solely on their Hamas connections.
3. Reporting of Staffers: Investigators have already informed the State Department about at least 17 current and former staff members linked to Hamas. Key figures voiced their stance against UNRWA's involvement in post-war Gaza despite the U. N. being approved to assist in humanitarian processes under the Trump administration's peace plan.
4. Operation Stop the Carousel: This investigation is known as "Operation Stop the Carousel," and its goal is to identify Hamas-affiliated UNRWA employees to ensure they do not work on any U. S.-funded projects. If links to terrorism are found, referrals to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution may occur.
5. Response to Previous Allegations: The inquiry follows reports that the U. N. overlooked evidence regarding staff ties to Hamas, as indicated by Israeli intelligence. The USAID inspector general's investigation aims to directly assess Hamas's interference in humanitarian aid without relying on self-reporting from the U. N.
6. Historical Context: Investigations previously uncovered that Hamas has exploited U. N. resources, including aid trucks, and embedded operatives within U. N. frameworks. The current investigation intends to enhance transparency and ensure adequate vetting in the future.
7. Biden Administration’s Changes: There is criticism of the Biden administration for allegedly easing vetting processes that allowed Hamas-linked organizations access to U. S. aid, leading to calls for more stringent checks.
The ongoing investigation into UNRWA staffers is part of broader efforts to prevent U. S. foreign assistance from inadvertently funding terrorism. This initiative seeks to ensure accountability and protect taxpayers' contributions as new humanitarian strategies develop for Gaza's post-war rebuilding efforts.
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