A top Hamas commander killed in Lebanon was revealed to have been an employee of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) who had been placed on administrative leave since March. Fatah Sharif’s association with Hamas has raised concerns and intensified pressure on UNRWA, which is already grappling with an $80 million funding deficit this year. Criticisms have been directed at the agency for failing to adequately address the presence of Hamas members within its staff.
The U.N.’s internal watchdog launched an investigation into UNRWA following allegations from Israel that 12 of its employees were involved in an attack on Israel in October. This led to several donor countries suspending their funding, creating a financial shortfall of around $450 million. Despite this setback, all donor countries except the United States have decided to resume funding the agency.
Hamas confirmed that Sharif, along with his wife, son, and daughter, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Al-Buss refugee camp in Tyre, Lebanon. Israel, which targeted Sharif, had previously accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by Palestinian militant groups. UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, stated that Sharif was suspended and under investigation upon learning about his alleged ties to Hamas in March. The agency maintained its commitment to due process and the rule of law throughout the investigation.
In response to criticisms and accusations, Hamas praised Sharif for his contributions to education and jihad, referring to him as a respected teacher and principal among generations of Palestinian refugees. The UNRWA teachers’ union and Palestinian groups protested against Sharif’s suspension, accusing the agency of targeting him based on his political beliefs.
Israel’s criticism of UNRWA and Lazzarini’s leadership has been evident, with government officials levelling harsh accusations against the agency and its staff. UNRWA operates in several countries, providing essential services to millions of Palestinians and their families. The agency has faced challenges in Gaza, with its facilities being targeted during conflict situations.
Despite the complexities and controversies surrounding UNRWA, the agency continues its mission to support Palestinian refugees, albeit under intense scrutiny and criticism.