UN aid chief demands Israel provide evidence of allegation that staffers are affiliated with Hamas

United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher demands Israel provide evidence for its accusations that staffers with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are affiliated with Hamas, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Friday.

In a letter sent to the UN Security Council on Thursday, Fletcher says the remarks by Israel’s ambassador to the UN Danny Danon were the first time any such concern had been raised.

The accusations were “extremely serious and have security implications for our staff,” says Fletcher in the letter. “I expect the Israeli authorities to immediately share any evidence that led them to make such claims to the council.”

He says OCHA engages with all parties to armed conflict to secure humanitarian access, press for the protection of civilians and promote respect for humanitarian principles, adding: “As Israeli authorities know, our contacts with Hamas have also supported hostage releases.”

Danon declared at a UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday that Fletcher and OCHA were no longer neutral and that hundreds of OCHA employees would undergo security vetting. Israel would also restrict OCHA visas to one month, he said.

“Israel has uncovered clear evidence of Hamas affiliation within OCHA’s ranks,” Danon told the 15-member council, without providing evidence.

Israel in January cut ties with UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, over its ties to terror groups, including Hamas.