UNRWA's Tainted Funding: A Maze of Lies and Cash

Strategic Insights -

Neta Heiman Mina's first-hand experience with the abduction of her 84-year-old mother by Hamas has left an indelible mark on her life. The traumatic event has shed light on the dark forces that have been manipulating UNRWA's funding, diverting it into Hamas's coffers. As UNRWA launches its latest fundraising campaign, it's essential to acknowledge the agency's enabling of Hamas's activities, which have brought about devastating wars. The systematic desecration of UNRWA's neutrality has allowed Hamas to turn a billion dollars in cash donations into a war chest.

Key Takeaways:

  • UNRWA's cash aid distribution in Gaza is a conduit for Hamas's money laundering schemes, diverting over a billion dollars in donations into the terrorist organization's coffers in the past decade.
  • Hamas controls the only licensed money changers in Gaza, charging Gazans a 10 to 20 percent commission to convert US dollars to shekels, further perpetuating the cycle of corruption.
  • The UK's decision to continue funding UNRWA, despite its tainted record, is a mistake that will perpetuate a cycle of violence and conflict.
  • The UNRWA declaration of their work being "indispensable" for Gaza ignores the agency's complicity in enabling Hamas's activities.
  • Abed, a middle-aged man and UNRWA-claimed teacher, kept Neta's mother captive for almost two months, underscoring the agency's inability to ensure the safety and well-being of those it serves.

Statistics:

  • Over a billion dollars in cash donations have been diverted to Hamas through UNRWA's funding in the past decade.
  • UNRWA's cash aid distribution in Gaza has enabled Hamas's money laundering schemes.
  • 10 to 20 percent commission is charged by Hamas-controlled money changers to covert US dollars to shekels.

Sources:

  • Neta Heiman Mina, personal account of her mother's abduction by Hamas (no date)
  • Neta Heiman Mina, article exposing UNRWA's tainted funding (no date)
  • United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (no date)
  • United Kingdom's commitment to funding UNRWA (no date)