Days before Trump halted funding, an ex-Israeli hostage was held at UNRWA school in Gaza, she reveals

The Release of Emily Damari and Revelations About UNRWA’s Role in Gaza

The release of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari has brought to light disturbing revelations about the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza. Emily, a 28-year-old woman, was abducted by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, during a wave of violence in the region. She was held captive in an UNRWA-run school, where she was denied proper medical care despite suffering gunshot wounds to her hand and leg. Emily’s ordeal ended with her release, but her story, shared in a phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, exposed the grim conditions she endured and the alleged ties between UNRWA facilities and Hamas operations.

Emily and her mother, Mandy Damari, revealed that during her captivity, she was not provided with adequate medical treatment. Instead, she was given an outdated bottle of iodine, which offered little relief for her injuries. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later discovered tunnels and ammunition linked to Hamas beneath UNRWA buildings, raising serious questions about the agency’s oversight and neutrality. The Damari family has since called for international pressure on Hamas and UNRWA to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to the remaining 82 hostages still in captivity, many of whom are elderly or severely injured.

UNRWA’s Ties to Hamas and Allegations of Misconduct

The discovery of Hamas infrastructure beneath UNRWA facilities has sparked widespread concern about the agency’s role in Gaza. For years, UNRWA has faced accusations of ties to Hamas, a terrorist organization designated by several countries, including the United States and Israel. While UNRWA deny any direct involvement with Hamas, critics argue that the agency’s facilities have been used by the group to further its militant activities. The revelation that Emily Damari was held in an UNRWA school has added fuel to these allegations, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.

The U.N. and UNRWA initially dismissed claims of Hamas using their facilities to hold hostages, describing them as "big accusations" and failing to conduct a thorough investigation. It wasn’t until public pressure mounted that UNRWA acknowledged the allegations, tweeting on January 21 that it took the claims "extremely seriously." However, UNRWA’s commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, downplayed the gravity of the situation, stating that the agency had vacated its northern Gaza facilities in October 2023 and had no control over them after military evacuation orders were issued. Lazzarini also denied any involvement in hostage negotiations, claiming it was outside UNRWA’s mandate. These claims have been met with skepticism by former U.N. investigator Peter Gallo, who questioned the agency’s credibility and accountability.

International Reactions and Funding Cuts

The revelations about UNRWA’s alleged ties to Hamas have drawn international attention, with several countries reevaluating their support for the agency. The United States, under the Trump administration, has consistently withheld funding from UNRWA since 2018, citing concerns over the agency’s neutrality and efficiency. President Donald Trump has continued this policy, freezing U.S. funding to UNRWA amid ongoing investigations into its activities. While the U.K. government remains a supporter of UNRWA, the revelations have led to growing scrutiny of its involvement with the agency.

The Israeli government has been vocal in its criticism of UNRWA, accusing the agency of being complicit in Hamas’s terror activities. In January, the Israeli Knesset passed legislation banning UNRWA from operating in Israel, effectively ending its presence in the country. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its stance, stating that "humanitarian aid doesn’t equal UNRWA, and UNRWA doesn’t equal humanitarian aid. UNRWA equals an organization infested with Hamas terror activity." Israel has pledged to support alternative organizations that provide aid without ties to terrorism.

The Broader Implications of UNRWA’s Role in Gaza

The allegations surrounding UNRWA’s involvement with Hamas have far-reaching implications for the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza. Yona Schiffmiller, director of research at NGO Monitor, has highlighted how Hamas has infiltrated the humanitarian aid process, using the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD) to direct aid distribution. Schiffmiller revealed that Ghazi Hamad, the head of MOSD and a recently designated Hamas leader, has met with U.N. officials and international NGOs, promoting Hamas interests while solidifying its grip on Gaza’s humanitarian aid. Images of Hamad meeting with U.N. officials, with the Hamas logo visible in the background, have further raised concerns about the UNRWA’s ties to the group.

The lack of transparency and accountability from both the U.N. and UNRWA has drawn widespread criticism. Peter Gallo, a former U.N. investigator, has described UNRWA’s internal investigation into the allegations as a "farce," accusing the agency of failing to hold its staff accountable for misconduct. Gallo pointed out that UNRWA staff members implicated in crimes, including participation in the October 7 massacre, were not terminated for misconduct but instead made redundant with severance payments. "You’ve had U.N. staff members engaged in crimes, crimes recognized by the ICC as crimes against humanity, and the U.N. is now going to give them a severance package because they were dismissed from their positions," Gallo said. These revelations have further eroded trust in UNRWA’s ability to operate neutrally and effectively in Gaza.

UNRWA’s Defense and the Ongoing Crisis

In response to the mounting criticism, UNRWA’s commissioner-general, Philippe Lazzarini, has defended the agency’s neutrality and commitment to delivering aid. Lazzarini claimed that UNRWA has "the most robust systems in place to ensure adherence to neutrality compared to other similar UN organizations and entities." He pointed to an independent review conducted last year, led by France’s former foreign minister, as evidence of the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Lazzarini emphasized that safeguarding the agency’s neutrality is central to its ability to continue delivering lifesaving aid in Gaza, as well as education and primary health services across the region.

Despite these assurances, the crisis surrounding UNRWA’s role in Gaza continues to escalate. The agency’s failure to address the allegations convincingly has led to calls for greater oversight and reform. As the situation in Gaza remains dire, with hundreds of thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict, the need for a transparent and accountable humanitarian aid system has never been more urgent. The case of Emily Damari and the ongoing plight of the remaining hostages serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of this conflict and the need for international action to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most, without being exploited by militant groups.

Conclusion: The Challenge of Humanitarian Aid in Conflict Zones

The case of Emily Damari and the allegations surrounding UNRWA’s ties to Hamas have exposed the complex challenges of delivering humanitarian aid in conflict zones. While UNRWA has played a crucial role in providing assistance to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the allegations of its involvement with Hamas have raised serious questions about its neutrality and effectiveness. As the international community grapples with these issues, it is clear that a new approach is needed—one that ensures aid reaches those in need without being exploited by militant groups.

The ongoing crisis in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and reform within humanitarian organizations operating in conflict zones. The international community must work together to address these challenges, ensuring that aid is delivered effectively and without compromise. The release of Emily Damari and the stories of those still in captivity offer a glimmer of hope, but the suffering of many continues. It is time for the international community to act decisively to address the root causes of this crisis and ensure that humanitarian aid is not used as a tool for terror, but as a lifeline for those in desperate need.