Palm Coast Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz has called on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to investigate allegations of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) personnel's complicity in hostage taking of Israelis to Gaza. The allegations are based on reports by Almog Boker, a journalist with Israel's Channel 13 news, who revealed that one hostage was held for nearly fifty days in the attic of an UNRWA teacher, while another was held by a doctor in Gaza.

Waltz emphasized the seriousness of these allegations and stressed the need for a thorough investigation, stating, "These allegations are incredibly serious and should be investigated not only by the UN but by Congress." He expressed concern over the UN's history of spreading anti-Israeli propaganda and highlighted the alarming comments made by UN personnel downplaying the terrorist attacks on October 7th. Waltz also mentioned previous instances where funding to UN agencies allegedly assisting Hamas terrorists was cut by the House of Representatives.

In a letter addressed to Secretary-General Guterres, Waltz conveyed his dismay at the reports of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza by UNRWA teachers. He drew attention to the broader issue of UN officials' complicity with these atrocities, pointing out that over half of the 500,000 students in Gaza attend UNRWA-run educational institutions known for demonizing Israel, perpetuating antisemitism, and inciting violence. Waltz also highlighted the reluctance of Palestinian groups to condemn the atrocities committed against Israeli civilians.

The congressman reminded Guterres of the Trump Administration's decision in 2018 to halt contributions to UNRWA due to concerns regarding the organization's anti-Israel agenda and actions. While the Biden Administration reversed this policy, the US House recently imposed new restrictions on funding UNRWA, including requirements for staff neutrality, prevention of military use of UNRWA facilities, financial transparency, and the absence of anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli materials in UNRWA schools and facilities.

Waltz urged Secretary-General Guterres to thoroughly investigate the allegations and emphasized the need for fundamental changes within the UN and UNRWA if evidence of complicity is found. The congressman called for a commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the prevention of incitement to violence within UNRWA.

The investigation into possible ties between UNRWA personnel and hostage taking is crucial to ensure accountability and prevent the perpetuation of violence and radicalization.

To learn more, click on this link: https://waltz.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=775