United Nations should cease protecting Israel’s enemies in Gaza and Lebanon from terror

Imagine a United Nations worker.

What comes to mind?

Maybe a bureaucratic desk worker, or a blue-helmeted peacekeeper?

But what if it’s something more sinister?

On Oct. 7, 2023, members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency actively participated in Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel.

Recently, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed that a Hamas terrorist leader responsible for the abduction and killing of hostages was an employee of UNRWA.

In the months following Oct. 7, members of UNIFIL unintentionally provided cover for Hezbollah terrorists as they attacked Israeli civilians with missiles and rockets.

Reports indicate that UNIFIL was effectively under Hezbollah’s control, limiting their movements and actions.

The United Nations is often criticized for its ineffectiveness, but it can also be actively harmful.

Several UNRWA staff members were investigated for their involvement in terrorist activities and killings on Oct. 7.

A top Hamas commander killed in Lebanon was linked to a UNRWA school and the UNRWA Teachers Union.

A Hamas command center was even found within UNRWA headquarters in Gaza.

Israeli lawmakers have passed bills to restrict UNRWA’s operations in Israel and the Palestinian territories due to these issues.

Similarly, Hezbollah has infiltrated and manipulated UNIFIL, which was intended to help restore order in southern Lebanon.

Despite its mandate to disarm Hezbollah, UNIFIL allowed the group to amass a significant arsenal of weapons.

Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah has launched numerous attacks on Israel with support from UNIFIL positions.

UNIFIL has been used as a human shield by Hezbollah fighters, leading to casualties and displaced Israeli citizens.

Hezbollah has even attacked Israeli soldiers from locations near UNIFIL posts, including tunnels found within close proximity of UNIFIL positions.

Despite warnings and evidence provided to the UN about these activities, no action has been taken.

The current operations of UNRWA and UNIFIL are unsustainable and must be dismantled to free Gaza and Lebanon from the control of extremist groups and their enablers.

Hillel Neuer is executive director of United Nations Watch, a non-governmental organization based in Geneva.