Hamas claims stir debate over UN’s aid lifeline to Gaza

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WASHINGTON — Israel’s allegations that the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees employs members of Hamas has reignited a longstanding debate over whether the organization is in need of reforms or should be replaced altogether. 

The agency, known as UNRWA, says it could soon run out of money after the United States and other international donors paused their funding following accusations that at least 12 of its employees participated in the militants’ massacre of 1,200 people in southern Israel on Oct. 7. 

The agency, which provides essential services to Palestinian refugees and their descendants, has been a lifeline for civilians fleeing Israel’s near four-month bombardment of the Gaza Strip. More than one million Palestinians affected by the bombing have taken shelter in UNRWA facilities across the besieged territory.  The agency also provides food aid in Gaza, where the UN says more than half a million people — a quarter of the population — are starving due to the war.