Israel says mandate of UNRWA probe should be more clearly defined

Israel calls the UN’s creation of an independent review group into its relief agency for Palestinian refugees “a positive step, although it is long overdue.”

“The review group should include research institutes with relevant professional experience that includes counter-terrorism, security and vetting procedures,” says a statement from the Foreign Ministry, adding that representatives from donor countries, as well as Israeli experts, should be included on the panel as well.

The statement says the mandate of the panel “should be defined in clearer terms regarding the need to prevent the employment of members of terror groups in the ranks of the organization and to ensure that the organization’s facilities will not be used for terror purposes.”

“Israel expects the review committee to also investigate incitement to violence and antisemitism in UNRWA’s educational system, in textbooks and by teachers, before and after the October 7 massacre.”