Israel claims Hamas operates from U.N. schools

In Gaza, records seized by Israel have revealed the presence of Hamas operatives within United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) schools. Evidence includes internal documents from Hamas which identify agency employees, including Mr. al-Khatib who is reported to have held the rank of squad commander in the Qassam Brigades. The records indicate that at least 24 UNRWA staffers across different schools have links to Hamas or Islamic Jihad, prompting serious concerns about the safety and security of U.N. educational facilities amid ongoing conflict. While UNRWA has stated it takes the allegations seriously and has placed some personnel on administrative leave, the agency maintains it cannot verify the affiliations of its employees. Allegations against UNRWA have escalated over time, particularly after Israel accused multiple staff members of being involved in violent acts, including an attack on October 7. The Israeli government argues that the United Nations is downplaying the severity of the issue while citing records that show misappropriation of U.N. facilities for military purposes by Hamas. Documents demonstrate that Hamas regards the use of civilian institutions as protective barriers during military engagements. The international community has raised concerns about the implications of these findings, questioning the effectiveness of UNRWA’s oversight mechanisms and the potential impact on the delivery of humanitarian aid. The incident has contributed to a heightened sense of scrutiny on UNRWA, resulting in calls for a thorough investigation of its employees' affiliations and the overall transparency of its operations in conflict zones. UNRWA has served millions of Palestinian refugees across various regions for decades, offering education and health care, which has become increasingly complicated by the rising tensions in Gaza. As hostilities continue, the critical role of these institutions in humanitarian efforts is under unprecedented strain. Ultimately, these revelations compel a broader discussion on the intersection of humanitarian assistance and security in volatile regions, and challenge stakeholders to reconsider their responsibilities in safeguarding civilian infrastructure from military exploitation. The implications for the future of U.N. operations in Gaza could be profound, potentially leading to significant changes in policy and practice in response to the revelations about Hamas's infiltration of U.N. facilities.