Just days before Trump halted funding, former Israeli hostage reveals she was held at a UNRWA school in Gaza. - Newsfortoday

British-Israeli Hostage Reveals She Was Held in UNRWA Facility Tied to Hamas

In a shocking revelation, British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, who was recently released, disclosed that she was held captive in a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facility in Gaza. This location has been found to be connected to Hamas operations, raising significant concerns about the agency’s role in the ongoing conflict.

Emily’s Ordeal: A Call for Action

During a phone conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, 28-year-old Emily and her mother, Mandy, recounted her harrowing experience. Emily was abducted on October 7, 2023, by Hamas militants who brutally shot her in both her hand and leg. Shockingly, despite her severe injuries, she was denied proper medical treatment and received only an outdated bottle of iodine during her captivity.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later reported the discovery of tunnels and weapon caches linked to Hamas beneath the UNRWA facility where Emily was held, amplifying suspicions regarding UNRWA’s alleged complicity in terrorist activities.

Calls for International Pressure on Hamas and UNRWA

In their plea for change, both Emily and Mandy emphasized the urgent need for international pressure on Hamas and UNRWA to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to the remaining 82 hostages. Many of these individuals are elderly or suffering from serious injuries.

“We are demanding maximum pressure on Hamas and UNRWA so that the ICRC is granted access to the remaining hostages,” Mandy Damari told Starmer. “Many are elderly or severely injured, and their suffering continues.”

Political Implications: Funding Freeze on UNRWA

The alarming revelation regarding Emily’s captivity has reignited scrutiny over the UK’s continued financial support for UNRWA. This comes at a time when former President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his administration’s earlier decision to withhold U.S. funding from UNRWA, initiated during his first term. This funding freeze underscores ongoing concerns about the organization’s ability to maintain neutrality and accountability while dealing with allegations of ties to Hamas.

UNRWA’s Response Amidst Growing Allegations

As allegations surfaced that UNRWA facilities were used for detaining hostages, the response from both the United Nations and UNRWA was notably subdued at first. Accusations were labeled as “big accusations” with scant initial investigation. It was only after significant public outcry that UNRWA admitted to taking the allegations seriously, stating in a January 21 tweet that they were investigating the matter thoroughly.

UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, expressed relief over Emily’s release, while minimizing the implications of the revelations. He claimed that UNRWA had evacuated its northern Gaza facilities shortly after the conflict escalated, suggesting that the agency had no control over the building where hostages were held.

“UNRWA has not been involved in any negotiations related to hostage release, as it is not within its mandate,” Lazzarini stated.

Criticism of UNRWA’s Accountability

The criticisms of UNRWA have intensified, particularly regarding its lack of oversight and accountability. Former U.N. investigator Peter Gallo scrutinized the agency’s claims of operational control.

“Who had control? UNRWA has 12,000 staff members in Gaza and has been requesting aid to support those sheltering in its facilities. Are they trying to have it both ways?” Gallo questioned. “Somebody must have been distributing food inside those premises. Somebody must have been keeping track of the number of people staying there. Are we supposed to believe that no one noticed an injured Israeli woman in captivity?”

Gallo further condemned the U.N.’s credibility, particularly after an internal UNRWA investigation that critics described as a “farce.” He argued that the investigation failed to definitively prove that any staff members were involved in terrorism, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.

“The U.N. investigation failed to definitively prove that any staff members were directly involved in acts of terrorism,” he asserted. “U.N. employees engaged in crimes recognized by the International Criminal Court as crimes against humanity, and yet they were merely given severance packages.”

UNRWA’s Defense Amidst Backlash

In a statement responding to the unfolding criticism, an UNRWA spokesperson did not directly address Gallo’s claims but emphasized the agency’s commitment to maintaining neutrality. Lazzarini claimed that UNRWA has one of the most robust systems to ensure adherence to neutrality among similar agencies within the U.N.

Despite ongoing allegations and scrutiny, the situation remains delicate as both UNRWA and Hamas face increasing international pressure. The ramifications of Emily Damari’s harrowing experience will likely have lasting implications on how humanitarian organizations operate within conflict zones and handle allegations of complicity with terrorist activities.

Conclusion

The release of Emily Damari has spotlighted the perilous conditions faced by hostages and raised profound questions about the role of international humanitarian organizations in conflict areas. As calls for accountability grow louder, it is imperative that the international community addresses the complexities of aid and human rights in war zones, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care and protection they desperately need.