The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has disclosed that a top Hamas commander killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon was one of the organization’s staff members.
On Monday, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told reporters in Geneva that the employee was suspended in March, after allegations emerged about the individual’s ties to the group.
The commissioner-general said the employee was under investigation, and he denied knowing that the individual was a Hamas commander.
The UN agency relies on the United States and European countries for most of its funding. It is expecting a shortfall of about 80 million dollars by the end of this year. Lazzarini has sought aid from various countries.
The revelation regarding the agency’s ties to Hamas may affect future activities.