The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently unveiled a critical interrogation video that further exposes the infiltration and exploitation of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) by Hamas operatives in Gaza. The testimony from a Gazan UNRWA employee reveals a disturbing pattern: UNRWA’s vehicles, facilities, and vital aid supplies have allegedly become tools for Hamas to solidify control, using the agency’s resources to bolster its own objectives rather than assist the very population the organization was established to support.

This UNRWA worker’s harrowing account detailed how Hamas commandeered the organization’s facilities at will. “They see UNRWA vehicles as a form of protection,” he explained, shedding light on how Hamas took advantage of UN resources with little resistance. “Hamas entered the place [UNRWA facilities] and took everything... It’s no secret,” he continued. According to his testimony, operatives openly looted UNRWA aid and then redistributed it through private channels to serve their own agenda, illustrating an organized effort by Hamas to monopolize international aid within Gaza and create an image of authority and power.

WATCH 🚨

The IDF has released footage of a UNRWA employee from northern Gaza describing how Hamas exploits UNRWA facilities and vehicles. pic.twitter.com/E5parzpqzR

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 31, 2024

Knesset Moves to Ban UNRWA Amid Alarming Allegations of Complicity with Hamas

This recent evidence comes two days after the Israeli Knesset voted overwhelmingly, with a historic 92-10 majority, to ban UNRWA operations within Israeli borders. The legislation follows last year’s devastating attack by Hamas, in which UNRWA employees were allegedly involved. The ban stipulates that UNRWA will be prohibited from “operating any institution, providing any service, or conducting any activity, whether directly or indirectly, in Israel's sovereign territory,” including East Jerusalem. Under this new law, UNRWA’s powers and responsibilities in these areas will transition fully to Israeli authorities, thus placing full control over Palestinian aid within Israeli oversight.

International Fallout: European Union Threatens Consequences

Israel’s decisive legislative move has sparked fierce international debate, particularly among European leaders. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, voiced strong objections, cautioning that the ban could threaten Israel’s substantial trade agreements with the European Union. “The decision...to ban UNRWA in Israel is absolutely unacceptable,” Michel declared, warning that failure to reverse the law could risk unraveling Israel’s critical Association Agreement with the EU. This agreement, a foundational trade accord enacted in 2000, underpins Israel’s access to European markets, with the EU comprising 28.8% of Israel’s trade in goods as of 2022.

Footage of UNRWA cooperation with Hamas terrorists. Hamas freely used their logistics as well pic.twitter.com/u5854Mn8jg

— Gera. Belik ( גרשון ) (@gershon27) October 30, 2024

Michel’s statement highlights potential economic risks, with European leaders urging Israel to reconsider the legislation to maintain robust economic ties. With the EU being Israel’s largest trade partner and Israel ranked as the EU’s 25th biggest partner, any economic ramifications would be significant.

UNRWA: Mission of Aid or Political Collusion?

UNRWA has historically operated under the premise of providing aid and support to Palestinian refugees. Yet, this recent video from the IDF, coupled with prior incidents of UNRWA staff allegedly acting in concert with terror organizations, has led many to question whether the agency has strayed from its humanitarian mission. Critics argue that UNRWA’s resources have served not only as critical tools for Hamas but have also created a dependency loop within the Palestinian territories, wherein aid fails to reach those who truly need it. For Israel, the ban on UNRWA within its borders symbolizes a fundamental shift in its approach to aid, security, and oversight, effectively reducing opportunities for potential infiltration by organizations linked to terror groups.

It’s impossible to make peace with a people that raises its kids like this.

It will never happen.

UNRWA students 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/jb7VV3IvHp

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 29, 2024

The Future of Aid in Israel and the Palestinian Territories

As Israel’s new law reshapes the landscape of international aid in the region, the world watches to see how the EU, UN, and other international entities will react. For now, Israel remains firm in its stance, advocating for more rigorous oversight to ensure that aid reaches civilians rather than bolstering Hamas’s military and political objectives.