"Allegations of Coercion, Aid Cuts, and Legal Actions: UNRWA's Controversial Role in Gaza"

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has reported that some of its employees were coerced by Israeli authorities into falsely admitting Hamas links and involvement in attacks. The report detailed allegations of mistreatment in Israeli detention, including physical beatings, waterboarding, and threats of harm to family members. Israel's accusations led to a funding pause by 16 countries, throwing UNRWA's operations into crisis. UNRWA has condemned the attacks and stated that if the Israeli allegations are true, they would be a betrayal of U.N. values. Israel has shared intelligence with the U.N. alleging that UNRWA employs "military operatives" from Hamas and other armed groups, and has called for UNRWA's closure.