Hamas Ties and UNRWA Under Fire: The Controversy Over Fatah Sharif

Fatah Sharif, a top Hamas commander killed in Lebanon, was an employee of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) until his suspension in March over alleged ties to the militant group. His death intensifies scrutiny on UNRWA, already under financial strain and facing accusations of harboring militants within its ranks.

Fatah Sharif, a senior Hamas commander who was killed in an airstrike in Lebanon, was confirmed as a former employee of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). His death raises ongoing concerns about the agency's infiltration by militants.

Critics argue that UNRWA has not done enough to eliminate Hamas elements from its workforce. A USD 80 million funding gap has further complicated the agency's operations, worsened by accusations from Israel and subsequent suspension of donations by several countries.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini had suspended Sharif in March following allegations about his ties to Hamas. The agency is conducting ongoing investigations into the matter, despite limited cooperation from Israeli authorities regarding additional suspicious personnel.

(With inputs from agencies.)