(DailyVantage.com) – A committee from the House of Representatives is planning to launch an investigation into a United Nations agency known for providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians affected by the Israel-Hamas war. The House Foreign Affairs Committee is planning to investigate the United Nations Relief and Work Agency due to its alleged ties to Hamas. According to Representative Darrell Issa, the Foreign Affairs Committee found substantial evidence of a connection between the UN agency and Hamas.
Issa claims the Foreign Affairs Committee uncovered evidence of a long-term association between the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA, and Hamas. Issa is now calling for an in-depth investigation into the United Nations agency, claiming the group may possess more knowledge about Hamas and its planned actions against Israel. Accusations against UNRWA having a connection with Hamas surfaced shortly after the October 7 attack on Israel, and some reports indicate an ongoing relationship between UNRWA members and Hamas.
According to an Israeli civilian taken hostage by Hamas, the militant group used a residence belonging to a member of UNRWA. The civilian claims Hamas kept them inside an attic located inside a home owned by a teacher for UNRWA for approximately 50 days. The United States government initially cut ties to UNRWA in 2018 after former President Donald Trump claimed the organization was “irredeemably flawed.” President Joe Biden reversed Trump’s decision and began working with UNRWA after taking office in 2021.
Representative Brian Mast is also involved in the potential investigation of the agency, with a spokesperson for Mast claiming he supports a probe into UNRWA. Mast and Issa and Mast’s push for an inquiry into the UNRWA is likely due to the agency’s connection with Hamas operations in the area. According to some reports, Hamas’ infamous tunnel system is located near multiple UNRWA-operated schools. Despite the potential connection between UNRWA and Hamas, the United States government lacks jurisdiction over the United Nations agency.
An insider with the Foreign Affairs Committee claimed the House will prevent funding to UNRWA if the inquiry finds any connection with Hamas. The United Nations Watch Executive Director, Hillel Neuer, supports the investigation. Neuer claims that the organization shares a connection with Hamas and that he intends to cooperate with the probe from the House of Representatives.
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