The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has terminated 70 staff members in Gaza, citing safety and security concerns linked to its operations in the territory. Meanwhile, the dismissals have sparked debate over fairness and longstanding allegations that Hamas-affiliated individuals operate within the agency.
UNRWA says dismissals aim to protect operations
UNRWA Commissioner-General ad interim Christian Saunders ordered the immediate termination of 70 employees following what the agency described as an assessment of operational safety and security risks in Gaza.
The agency stressed that the dismissals do not form part of a disciplinary process and do not validate allegations made by Israel against the affected staff members. UNRWA also said it has repeatedly asked Israeli authorities to provide evidence supporting claims against individual employees but has yet to receive a response.
According to the agency, the decision was taken to reduce risks to refugees who rely on UNRWA services as well as to agency personnel and facilities operating in Gaza.
UNRWA said it lacks police and intelligence capabilities and must rely on cooperation from member states, including Israel, to help protect its operations and maintain neutrality during the conflict.
However, some of the dismissed employees have publicly challenged the decision. Gaza-based staff members and supporters have argued that the terminations unfairly punish workers without a formal investigation or publicly disclosed evidence.
Last Thursday, as a former @UNRWA employee myself, I received an email from UNRWA’s Commissioner-General ad interim, Christian Saunders @CFSaundersUN, informing staff that he had decided to terminate the employment of 70 UNRWA employees in Gaza with immediate effect. He stressed… pic.twitter.com/AtA0GwjS80
— Alaa From Gaza (@alaafromgaza92) June 13, 2026
The dispute has added another layer of uncertainty for an agency that provides education, healthcare, food assistance, and other services to Palestinian refugees across the region.
Critics argue deeper reforms are needed
The dismissals quickly drew attention from critics who have long accused UNRWA of failing to address alleged links between some employees and Hamas.
Among them was Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, who argued that the terminations do not go far enough. In a post on X, Neuer noted that UNRWA is riddled with Hamas-affiliated individuals and claimed the agency faces a deeper institutional problem than a single round of dismissals.
BREAKING: UNRWA just fired 70 employees in Gaza over their ties to Hamas, in wake of UN Watch’s latest revelations and the investigation by the U.S. Inspector General of USAID.
See our new UNRWA Terror Network map here, identifying 400 culprits: https://t.co/39bbQpruFe pic.twitter.com/DJhSqAFO5m
— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) June 12, 2026
Israel has repeatedly accused some UNRWA employees of involvement with Hamas and other militant groups. UNRWA has previously stated that it investigates credible allegations against staff members and shares personnel lists with Israeli authorities and other governments. Nevertheless, disputes over evidence and accountability have continued.
The latest dismissals come amid a broader confrontation between Israel and UNRWA that has unfolded throughout the Gaza war.
The dispute has also extended beyond personnel issues. Israeli authorities have moved against UNRWA facilities and sought to limit aspects of the agency’s activities, while UNRWA officials have warned that restrictions on their operations could undermine humanitarian assistance for civilians.
Meanwhile, a coalition of over 20 nations has criticized Israel’s handling of aid groups in Gaza, warning that tight restrictions will restrict the flow of humanitarian supplies.