World News
Watchdog demands UN apology after memorial erroneously honors Hamas commander
A United Nations memorial service included a former UNRWA principal later identified by Hamas as a field commander, drawing criticism from watchdog groups and Israeli diplomats.
The short version
- UN Watch demanded an apology after a June UN memorial honored former UNRWA principal Imad Youssif El Samhouri, whom Hamas later identified as a field commander.
- A UN spokesperson stated the agency was unaware of the allegations at the time and noted staff lists were annually shared with Israeli authorities without prior objections.
- Israeli diplomats rejected the UN explanation, contending that Israel had repeatedly warned the agency about Hamas personnel within UNRWA.
Key facts
- A June UN memorial service honoring staff killed in 2025 included former UNRWA school principal Imad Youssif El Samhouri.[Fox News]
- Hamas publicly identified El Samhouri on Telegram as a field commander in the Al-Qassam Brigades on August 8.[Fox News]
- UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated the UN was unaware of the allegations during the service and noted UNRWA staff lists were shared annually with Israeli officials without prior concerns raised.[Fox News]
- Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the UN's statement, asserting Israel repeatedly alerted the organization to active Hamas militants in UNRWA.[Fox News]
- The USAID Office of Inspector General is conducting an investigation into 1,500 UNRWA employees regarding potential ties to Hamas.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The extent to which UNRWA officials knew of El Samhouri's armed role prior to Hamas's public announcement remains disputed between the UN and watchdog groups.[Fox News]
Sources
- Watchdog demands apology after UN memorial erroneously honors Hamas terroristFox News - World News