Duval Times

News reports have revealed that 12 staffers of the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East were involved in a Hamas-led terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, targeting Israeli and international civilians. In light of these findings, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have written a letter to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, demanding the immediate termination of Commissioner Philippe Lazzarini.

Rubio, who serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and Subcommittee on Defense, expressed their concerns about Lazzarini's handling of the situation. They accused him of allowing Islamic militants and their supporters to operate freely within UNRWA assistance programs while upholding extremist views regarding Israel.

The senators highlighted the severity of the attack, stating, "Of the 12 UNRWA individuals who took part in the October 7th attack, six have been identified as committing violent and barbaric acts against civilian women, children, elderly, and men." They emphasized that the victims were not only Israeli civilians but also included citizens from other UN member states. Rubio and Collins criticized Lazzarini's lack of care and regard for these victims, describing it as a blatant disregard for the values that the UN claims to uphold.

The letter further condemned the incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence by UNRWA staff. While Lazzarini had terminated a few employees during his tenure, the senators argued that it was only due to international pressure. They accused him of failing to take proactive steps to root out antisemitism within the organization and hold pro-terrorist employees accountable for their hate.

Rubio and Collins called for Lazzarini's immediate dismissal, stating, "All UNRWA staff who have supported, made statements in support of, or conducted and/or participated in violent acts should be suspended immediately, without pay, until a full and transparent international investigation has concluded."

The senators also raised concerns about the broader issue of Hamas infiltration within UNRWA. They cited estimates that more than 1,300 UNRWA staff in Gaza have links to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and highlighted cases of UNRWA educators and staff promoting hate and violence towards Jewish people. Rubio and Collins emphasized that UNRWA should not be a political tool used by Hamas but should prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable.

In their letter, the senators urged the UN to take swift action, stating, "Millions of people around the world depend on the lifesaving humanitarian assistance provided by the UN. The UN member states share an interest in ensuring such assistance is free of corruption, waste, and abuse." They concluded by calling for Lazzarini's immediate termination.

The demand from Senators Rubio and Collins adds pressure on the United Nations to address the issue and ensure accountability within UNRWA. The findings of staff involvement in the Hamas-led terrorist attack raise serious concerns about the agency's ability to uphold its mandate and maintain the trust of member states and those in need of humanitarian assistance.