Over 100 Israeli families have taken legal action by filing a lawsuit in US federal court against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other individuals. The lawsuit, lodged in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, accuses UNRWA of funding Hamas and playing a significant role in an attack that occurred on October 7.
The lawyers representing the Israeli families claim that UNRWA was involved in a billion-dollar money laundering operation that provided financial support to Hamas. This alleged funding of Hamas reportedly diminished the humanitarian aid intended for Gaza residents and contributed to the October 7 attack.
According to the lawsuit, Hamas received assistance from UNRWA and its current or former senior officials in building up the necessary infrastructure and personnel for the attack. One of the key accusations made by the Israeli families is that UNRWA officials facilitated aid to Gaza in US dollars, which could only be accessed through Hamas-affiliated moneychangers.
Bijan Amini, one of the lead lawyers in the case, highlighted the damning evidence presented in the lawsuit, stating that UNRWA was complicit in diverting funds meant for Gaza into channels that supported terrorism, in violation of international law.
The court documents name current or former high-ranking officials of UNRWA as defendants in the case. UNRWA's director of communications, Juliette Touma, acknowledged reports of the lawsuit but mentioned that the organization had not yet been served with any legal process and therefore could not provide a comment at that time.
It is important to note that the source mentioned in the article cannot confirm the allegations made in the lawsuit, as the legal proceedings are ongoing.
