Israeli foreign minister says key UN agency will not operate in post-war Gaza

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has suggested that Israel will seek to stop the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in post-war Gaza, saying it “will not be a part of the day after.”

It follows allegations that its staff members were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel.

Katz posted a statement to X on Saturday “commending the US government for its decision to cease funding” to UNRWA.

“We have been warning for years,” Katz said, “UNRWA perpetuates the refugee issue, obstructs peace, and serves as a civilian arm of Hamas in Gaza.”

On Friday, an Israeli official told CNN that Israel shared information about 12 staffers allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks both with UNRWA and the US. The official did not share more specifics on the alleged actions of the 12 former staffers.

“UNRWA is not the solution – many of its employees are Hamas affiliates with murderous ideologies, aiding in terror activities and preserving its authority,” Katz said.

CNN has reached out to UNRWA and the Israeli authorities about the information Israel provided UNRWA and the nature of the alleged involvement of the UNRWA employees on October 7.

Israel’s relations with the UN have deteriorated in recent months, after the organization’s senior officials repeatedly condemned the country’s military approach to the war in Gaza.

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