Watchdog and U.S. Officials Say UNRWA Schools Were “Hijacked” by Hamas; Biden Cuts Funding, Trump Seeks Agency Dismantlement
New reports and U.S. officials allege UNRWA schools in Gaza and Lebanon were infiltrated by Hamas, including staff ties to militants; the U.S. has cut funding and seeks dismantlement while legal cases press for accountability.
Key takeaways
- Watchdog findings: A 56-page report claims local UNRWA unions and staff enabled Hamas influence over hiring, curriculum and school governance in Gaza and Lebanon (U.N. Watch report via The Yeshiva World).
- U.S. action: The State Department described UNRWA as “irredeemably compromised,” the Biden administration cut funding and the U.S. has moved toward dismantlement; legal moves include lifting UNRWA’s civil immunity (FDD analysis).
- Lawsuits: American victims allege UNRWA employed militants and allowed weapons and tunnels under facilities; plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages (ABC News coverage).
- UN response: UNRWA and a UN-convened independent review endorse reforms and stronger oversight but dispute claims of broad criminal control (UN independent review).
Main coverage
Schools “hijacked,” watchdog says
A Geneva-based watchdog published a 56-page report titled “Schools in the Grip of Terror: How UNRWA Allowed Hamas Chiefs to Control Its Education System.” The study asserts local unions and much of the agency’s workforce in Gaza and Lebanon effectively dominated hiring, curriculum and school governance, and it estimates at least 15% of senior UNRWA educators in Gaza are members of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The report points to the agency’s reliance on largely local staff and limited international oversight as enabling influence, and it cites cases such as the departure of former Gaza chief Matthias Schmale and ties between teachers’ union figures and senior Hamas leaders (U.N. Watch report via The Yeshiva World).
U.S. lawsuits and legal moves
Victims of the October 7 attacks and other plaintiffs have filed federal lawsuits alleging that UNRWA provided material support to terrorism by hiring militants, permitting weapons caches in agency buildings, and failing to prevent tunnels and militant infrastructure beneath facilities. Plaintiffs seek both compensatory and punitive damages and link alleged UNRWA practices to the scale of the October 7 assault.
In a significant legal development, the U.S. Justice Department moved to lift UNRWA’s civil immunity, enabling some suits to proceed — a step tied to allegations of agency links to terrorism related to October 7 (FDD analysis; ABC News coverage).
State Department findings and U.S. policy
A State Department report to Congress (dated July 29, 2025) concluded UNRWA is “irredeemably compromised” and recommended dismantlement. The report stated that at least 13 UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 attacks and estimated roughly 12% of UNRWA workers have ties to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The Biden administration cut U.S. funding in January 2024; the Trump administration subsequently sought the return of unspent U.S. funds from UNRWA accounts. State Department spokespeople have publicly said the Administration now seeks UNRWA’s full dismantlement (FDD analysis).
Israeli evidence and seized records
Israeli authorities report they discovered documents and physical evidence that they say confirm militant activity tied to UNRWA sites, including records suggesting tunnels under certain UNRWA schools and use of school facilities for communication and movement. The Israeli Embassy in Washington published materials it says show Hamas presence in some UNRWA schools, underscoring long-standing Israeli intelligence concerns about militant influence in UNRWA staff and unions (Israeli Embassy release).
UNRWA response and independent review
UNRWA and a UN-convened independent review panel have acknowledged internal problems and recommended reforms — estimating roughly 50 recommendations for stronger oversight, vetting and safeguards — but they dispute claims that the agency was broadly complicit in terrorism. UNRWA insists it remains neutral and has called for full, transparent investigations where allegations arise, while committing publicly to cooperate with probes (UN independent review).
Debate over replacement, reform and aid delivery
Experts and policymakers are split on how to preserve essential services while addressing security and governance concerns. UNRWA delivers education, health care and social support to millions; dismantling or rapidly replacing it would require complex new delivery mechanisms to avoid humanitarian disruption. Some analysts argue for a more internationally governed alternative; others warn that hasty action could worsen conditions on the ground (Washington Institute analysis).
Legal cases and accountability efforts
Civil cases and diplomatic pressure continue to advance. Plaintiffs seek judgments and, in some instances, account freezes as a path to accountability. Critics counter that legal and financial measures risk politicizing aid and unfairly penalizing an agency for the actions of rogue staff rather than leadership. The outcome of U.S. court cases and Treasury/DOJ rulings could reshape how humanitarian assistance is funded and delivered in the region (FDD analysis; ABC News coverage).
Implications for The Inland Empire
Local impacts could be tangible across economic, political and social lines:
- Economic: Remittances and charitable giving from the region could be disrupted; local charities and faith groups may pause or reroute donations pending vetted channels.
- Political: The issue may surface in local and state campaigns as voters demand accountability balanced with humanitarian protections.
- Social: Community centers, schools and houses of worship may experience tension; leaders should plan culturally informed outreach and clear communication.
- Practical: Nonprofits should enhance partner vetting; legal clinics and advocacy groups may see increased demand for guidance.
Reporting on next steps for local readers
For residents of the Inland Empire seeking actionable guidance: monitor official statements from the U.S. State Department and the UN on reform plans; track U.S. court cases for potential impacts on aid contracts; and donate through charities that provide transparent reporting on fund use. Community leaders should encourage calm, fact-based dialogue and connect families to trusted resources (FDD analysis; UN independent review; ABC News coverage).
