UNRWA Chief Denies Knowledge of Employee's Hamas Ties Amid Israeli Allegations

The chief of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, denied knowing that Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin, an UNRWA employee, was a Hamas commander. El-Amin was killed in an Israeli strike. Lazzarini called for states to resist Israeli attacks on the agency, which faces severe challenges including funding shortfalls and potential legislative moves to label it a terrorist organization.

The chief of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, Philippe Lazzarini, has denied knowledge that Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin, an employee, was a Hamas commander in Lebanon.

El-Amin was killed alongside his family in an Israeli strike on southern Lebanon. Lazzarini stated that el-Amin was placed under investigation and suspended from his job at UNRWA in March following allegations concerning his politics. The agency moved quickly once informed of his senior-level involvement with Hamas.

Lazzarini urged U.N. member states to resist Israeli efforts to discredit the agency. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has long pushed for UNRWA's dismantling, accusing it of anti-Israeli incitement. UNRWA currently faces a significant funding shortfall and legislative pressures that potentially label it as a terrorist organization.

(With inputs from agencies.)