The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed Monday that a top Hamas commander, Fatah Sharif, killed in Lebanon, was one of its employees, but had been suspended since March following allegations of ties to the militant group.
Sharif, along with his wife, son, and daughter, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Al-Buss refugee camp in the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre, according to Hamas. The Israeli military confirmed targeting Sharif.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini revealed that the agency learned of allegations in March that Sharif was a “member of the political party of Hamas,” prompting his immediate suspension and the launch of an internal investigation.
“He was suspended, had no function, was not paid and was under investigation,” Lazzarini told reporters in Geneva. “We are still an agency with due process — I mean, respecting due process and the principle of rule of law.”
This revelation comes as UNRWA faces increased scrutiny and financial pressure. The agency is currently grappling with an $80 million funding shortfall this year, exacerbated by donor countries suspending funding after Israel accused 12 UNRWA staffers of involvement in the October 7 attack on Israel.
Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva quickly responded to the news, posting on social media platform X: “This case proves that there is a deep problem in @UNRWA, the way they do due diligence about who they are hiring.”
Hamas, in a statement, praised Sharif for his “educational and jihadist work,” calling him “a successful teacher and an outstanding principal” for generations of Palestinian refugees.
The incident has reignited debates about UNRWA’s role and operations. Critics argue the agency isn’t doing enough to prevent infiltration by militant groups, while supporters emphasize its crucial humanitarian work in the region.
Lazzarini defended the agency’s processes, stating that Israeli authorities had provided a list of about 100 people allegedly linked to Hamas, but failed to respond to UNRWA’s requests for more information to facilitate investigations.
“A list is not proof of anything,” Lazzarini emphasized.
The controversy occurs against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Gaza, where UNRWA reports 223 of its staffers have been killed since the war began. The Gaza Health Ministry puts the total death toll at 41,615, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants.
As investigations continue, this incident is likely to fuel further debate about UNRWA’s operations and the challenges of maintaining neutrality in one of the world’s most contentious regions.
AP
