A new report by the U.K.-based Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se) has accused some teachers and staff members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) of praising the Hamas terrorist organization for their involvement in the massacre of Israelis, Americans, and other foreign nationals in Israel on October 7.
Hamas, a jihadi terrorist group, was responsible for the murder of 1,400 people, including at least 32 Americans, and the kidnapping of 242 people, 13 of whom are believed to be U.S. citizens.
The IMPACT-se report highlights that “at least 14 teachers and staff at UNRWA schools have publicly celebrated the October 7 massacre and other Hamas attacks on their social media accounts.”
UNRWA is funded by the U.S. government, receiving approximately $1 billion in taxpayer money since 2021. The agency operates schools and humanitarian services in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, aiming to support Palestinian refugees. However, it has faced criticism over allegations that it perpetuates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and fails to address issues related to terrorism, violence, and antisemitism in its educational materials.
IMPACT-se CEO Marcus Sheff expressed deep concern, saying, “Time and again we have warned that UNRWA staff and school materials have created a breeding ground for terror. Our worst fears have now been tragically realized with the horrific attack on October 7. All governments that fund UNRWA, including the United States, must urgently review and concurrently freeze financial support to UNRWA to help ensure that another generation is not lost to the evils of hatred and incitement.”
The report also points out that a substantial number of Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre were UNRWA education system graduates, suggesting a possible link between the radicalization of students and the attack.
The United States previously suspended funding for UNRWA during the Trump administration but reinstated it under the Biden administration, making the U.S. one of the largest contributors to the organization in recent years.
UNRWA has faced multiple allegations of staff members engaging in or promoting militant activities or espousing hatred, leading to internal investigations and disciplinary actions. Critics argue that more stringent oversight is needed to ensure that American taxpayer dollars do not inadvertently support terrorism or incitement in Palestinian schools.
Employees at US-funded United Nations agency celebrated Hamas terror massacre: report / US needs to pull all funds out of UN immediately 🤬🤬🤬🤬 https://t.co/BjNzLhqEW9
— RHollister (@RobertHollist7) November 7, 2023
