LONDON: An independent review, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, has found that Israel has not provided evidence supporting its claims that staff members of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, were involved in the October 7 attacks.
The review, conducted with the assistance of three Nordic research institutes, highlights the lack of substantiation for broader allegations made by Israel in March. These accusations accused numerous UNRWA employees of affiliating with Hamas.
Despite Israel’s claims, major donors had previously cut their funding to the agency in January. This move came as a blow to Gaza’s 2.3 million people, many of whom were displaced by conflicts since October 7 and are now struggling to access essential items like water, food, shelter, and medical care.
The report reveals that UNRWA has consistently provided employee lists to Israel for vetting, but the Israeli government has not raised any concerns about UNRWA staff based on these lists since 2011.
A more detailed assessment, sent to the UN by the three Nordic research bodies, stated that Israeli authorities have yet to provide any supporting evidence or respond to UNRWA’s requests for names and evidence to facilitate investigations.
The Colonna review underscores the indispensable role of UNRWA in providing humanitarian aid and services to Palestinian refugees across the region. It emphasizes the need for UNRWA’s neutrality and proposes enhancements to safeguards for its staff, including expanding internal oversight, increasing training, and boosting support from donor countries.
While most donor nations have resumed funding pending the Colonna report, US financial support remains permanently banned due to the allegations.
Meanwhile, a separate investigation by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services into the Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7.
