In brief
Recent investigations have uncovered that at least 24 individuals affiliated with Hamas or Islamic Jihad were employed at UN-run schools in Gaza. This revelation has sparked a debate over the United Nations' ability to maintain neutrality amid the ongoing conflict.
In Gaza, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) oversees numerous schools, but recent documents provided by the Israeli government expose a troubling reality: several educators are linked to militant groups. Ahmad al-Khatib, a deputy principal at one such school, was allegedly a squad commander with the Hamas military wing, known as the Qassam Brigades. Secret records reportedly reveal that he was armed and evaluated for his combat skills.Before the current conflict escalated, UNRWA managed 288 schools in Gaza. However, after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, these institutions have come under scrutiny. Alarmingly, most of the identified educators with militant ties were in leadership roles, including principals and counselors. This situation has spurred discussions about UNRWA's commitment to neutrality and its role in conflict zones worldwide. Critics argue that the involvement of such individuals undermines the agency's obligations.
