UNRWA’s influence in the Gaza Strip has intensified since October 7, following a significant population shift due to war, with about a million residents relocating from northern to southern Gaza.
UNRWA has become the primary provider of shelter, food, and fuel for the displaced population in the south.
Of particular concern is UNRWA’s alleged failure to prevent Hamas from seizing control of humanitarian aid convoys entering the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing.
It is claimed that Hamas operatives take charge of trucks, diverting essential supplies for their own use, and sometimes selling food products in local markets.
The Israeli security establishment asserts conclusive evidence of UNRWA officials’ direct involvement in the October 7 massacre in Israeli settlements along the Gaza Strip border.
In response, the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, has suggested presenting evidence of the Hamas-UNRWA connection to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, aiming to embarrass the UN.
This proposal is currently under examination by political and legal authorities.
During recent ground maneuvers in the Gaza Strip, security officials allegedly discovered evidence of Hamas utilizing UNRWA institutions for terrorist purposes.
Some UNRWA schools were found to have shafts of Hamas tunnels, weapons caches, and incendiary materials against Israel.
Additionally, a Telegram group reportedly contained messages praising the October 7 massacre, referring to the perpetrators as “heroes” and circulating images of the Israeli victims.
Senior political officials assert that UNRWA has exceeded its mandate and is collaborating with Hamas against Israel.
Some within the security establishment argue that, following the war, UNRWA should be disbanded in the Gaza Strip.
They suggest transferring responsibilities in education, health, relief, and employment to a local government that would need to be established in the region.
However, such decisions remain subject to the determination of the political echelon.
