Israeli Lawsuit Claims UN Agency Aids Hamas by Paying Gaza Staff in Dollars

A group of Israelis has filed a lawsuit alleging that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is indirectly supporting Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, by paying its employees in Gaza in US dollars. The lawsuit, filed in the Israeli District Court, argues that these payments bolster Hamas's control over the territory and allow the group to use the money for its own purposes. It highlights that while UNRWA is tasked with providing aid to Palestinian refugees, it pays its employees in Gaza a higher salary in US dollars compared to employees in other areas. This practice, according to the lawsuit, enables Hamas to benefit from the exchange rate fluctuations between the US dollar and the Israeli shekel, as well as from the ability to use the hard currency for various purposes. The lawsuit further claims that UNRWA has turned a blind eye to Hamas's use of its facilities and resources, including schools and medical centers, for military purposes. The lawsuit seeks to compel UNRWA to halt the practice of paying its Gaza employees in US dollars, arguing that doing so would help to weaken Hamas's control over the territory. The lawsuit highlights the complex relationship between UNRWA, Hamas, and Israel, and the ongoing tensions between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority in Gaza.

Summary

"The lawsuit, which accuses UNRWA of indirectly supporting Hamas by paying its Gaza staff in US dollars, is likely to raise further tensions between Israel and the UN agency. It remains to be seen how the Israeli court will rule on the case and what impact the lawsuit will have on UNRWA's operations in Gaza."