Israel Denounces Accusations as UNRWA Staff Among Killed Terrorists

Israel refutes claims that six UNRWA workers were killed, stating three of nine terrorists eliminated in a Gaza strike were agency employees. IDF seeks verification from UNRWA while naming the deceased. Israeli calls for defunding and stripping UNRWA of its mandate continue amid mounting legal and political pressure.

Israel has countered claims that six workers from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) were killed in an airstrike targeting a Hamas command center, stating that three of the nine terrorists eliminated were UNRWA employees. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released the names of nine terrorists killed in the strike in what was formerly the Al Jaouni School in Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp.

According to the IDF, the building, struck on Wednesday, was used by Hamas for planning and executing attacks. The Israeli military utilized aerial surveillance and precision munitions in their efforts to minimize civilian casualties. Despite repeated attempts, the UNRWA has not provided the names of the alleged staffers killed in the airstrike.

Among the nine deceased, three were identified as Muhammad Adnan Abu Zayd, Yasser Ibrahim Abu Sharar, and Ayad Matar, all associated with Hamas. The remaining were tied to Hamas's internal security and other militant activities. In light of these events, Israel has bypassed UNRWA for aid distribution and is advancing legislation to label the agency as a 'terror organization,' stripping its legal immunities.

The incident echoes ongoing tensions, with over 100 survivors of Hamas's October 7 attacks filing a $1 billion lawsuit against UNRWA, accusing it of aiding the terrorist group. Calls from Israeli officials to dissolve UNRWA and integrate Palestinian refugees under the UN High Commissioner for Refugees continue to grow.

(With inputs from agencies.)