In a high-stakes military operation, Israel announced the death of Mohammad Abu Itiwi, a senior Hamas commander linked to the deadly October 7 attacks, who was also employed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet confirmed Itiwi’s death on Wednesday, stating he had been an active member of Hamas’s elite Nukhba unit, a force that played a significant role in the recent escalations.
Itiwi’s role in the October 7 Hamas attack, which left over 370 Israeli civilians dead, had placed him high on Israel’s target list. However, Israel’s revelation of his employment with UNRWA has intensified scrutiny of the agency, sparking a diplomatic clash between Israel and the United Nations. According to the IDF, Israel had informed UNRWA in July that Itiwi, alongside nearly 100 other staff members, was suspected of having ties to Hamas and other militant organizations. Despite the alert, Itiwi had remained in his UNRWA position, where he had been employed since 2022.
UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma confirmed Itiwi’s death and acknowledged Israel’s July warning but stated that UNRWA had requested further details on the allegations from Israel, which they claim were never provided. “The UNRWA commissioner general responded immediately, stressing that any allegations are taken seriously and urging Israeli authorities to cooperate by providing further information,” Touma noted.
Israel, however, has called for urgent action, pressing the United Nations to investigate the involvement of UNRWA employees in militant activities. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, emphasized the need for a thorough review of UNRWA staff connections to the October 7 attack and Hamas. “Israel has requested urgent clarifications from senior UN officials and an immediate investigation into UNRWA’s potential ties to terrorist activities,” Hagari stated.
The development has intensified debate over UNRWA’s role and the effectiveness of its screening processes for employees. The incident fuels concerns among Israeli officials over potential security risks within UN humanitarian agencies operating in Gaza, raising questions over whether international organizations can remain neutral in the region’s charged conflict. As demands for transparency and investigation mount, Israel’s stance signals a broader call for accountability, pushing the UN to take a firm stance on security threats amid escalating tensions in Gaza.
