Israel Reports Killing of Hamas Commander Allegedly Connected to UN amid Escalating Conflict

On Thursday, the Israeli military announced it had killed Hamas commander Mohammad Abu Itiwi, who was reportedly involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Abu Itiwi, employed by the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) since July 2022, had taken part in the abduction and killing of Israeli civilians during the attack.

This development surfaces amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli government has accused multiple UNRWA staff of involvement in militant activities. In an August investigation, the United Nations identified and dismissed nine UNRWA staff members suspected of links to the October 7 attacks.

According to Reuters, UNRWA confirmed Itiwi’s employment, noting he was killed on Wednesday. His name was reportedly on a list provided by Israel in July, alleging that around 100 UNRWA staff members had ties with armed groups, including Hamas.

UNRWA’s communications director, Juliette Touma, commented, “The UNRWA commissioner general promptly addressed Israel’s July letter, stressing the agency’s commitment to investigate any allegations and urging Israel to provide more details. However, no response has been received from the Israeli government.”

UNRWA, which provides education, healthcare, and support services to millions of Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, has faced strained relations with Israel. These tensions have intensified with the ongoing Gaza conflict, as Israel has repeatedly called for UNRWA’s dissolution.

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari called for “urgent clarifications from senior UN officials” and requested “an immediate investigation into UNRWA employees’ involvement in the October 7 massacre.”

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