UNRWA’s Terror Tunnel Condemnation Rings Hollow

Some terror tunnels were just discovered in Gaza, under some UNRWA-run schools, prompting this UNRWA condemnation.

UNRWA CONDEMNS NEUTRALITY VIOLATION IN GAZA IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS
Statement by Christopher Gunness, UNRWA Spokesperson


On 1 June UNRWA discovered part of a tunnel that passes under two adjacent Agency schools in Maghazi camp in the Gaza Strip, namely the Maghazi Elementary Boys A&B School and the Maghazi Preparatory Boys School.  The schools are located on the same premises.  The discovery was made during the summer vacation, at a time when the schools are empty, and in the course of work related to the construction of an extension of one of the buildings.

Following a thorough inspection of the site, UNRWA can confirm that the tunnel has no entry or exit points on the premises nor is it connected to the schools or other buildings in any way.

UNRWA condemns the existence of such tunnels in the strongest possible terms. It is unacceptable that students and staff are placed at risk in such a way.  The construction and presence of tunnels under UN premises are incompatible with the respect of privileges and immunities owed to the United Nations under applicable international law, which provides that UN premises shall be inviolable. The sanctity and neutrality of UN premises must be preserved at all times.

UNRWA has robustly intervened and protested to Hamas in Gaza. It has also informed them that the Agency intends to seal the tunnel under its premises, as an immediate priority. We will not allow any students or staff into the building until the issue is resolved.

The Agency again demands that all parties respect the neutrality and inviolability of United Nations premises at all times.  Furthermore we demand they desist from any activities or conduct that put beneficiaries and staff at risk and undermine the ability of UN staff to provide assistance to Palestine refugees in safety and security.

Leaving aside my incredulity that UNRWA did not suspect anything beforehand – terror tunnel construction tends to make a lot of noise and it is not like UNRWA is not aware of their existence in general – the condemnation, like the tunnels themselves, rings hollow.

Look at the wording again. UNRWA is condemning the violation of their supposed neutrality – the fact the tunnels ran under their premises – and not the general existence of these terror tunnels.

This reminds me of their flacid condemnation when rockets were found on their premises. Again, the condemnation was for the “violation of the inviolability of its premises under international law” and not the existence and use of these rockets against Israeli civilians.

Why won’t UNRWA condemn Hamas for siphoning of money earmarked as aid and using it to construct these tunnels and manufacture the rockets? Surely as a so-called relief agency, they should be outraged the money is being wasted in this way.

Unless….they are not.

4 thoughts on “UNRWA’s Terror Tunnel Condemnation Rings Hollow”

  1. So, if I understand correctly, UNRWA feel that they have a good reputation (impartiality/ neutrality etc) and they are a little peeved that Hamas could undermine their “good standing”. They are also concerned that the tunnels being right under the schools could suffer a “work accident” and blow up UNRWA workers. Also, if something like that happened, photos of exploded children, that can’t be blamed on Israel, just wouldn’t be a good look. The implication is that Hamas should have been more cognisant of these factors ………..and built the tunnels a few metres to the side. Their whole statement of “outrage” and “condemnation in the strongest terms” sounds like “it’s just not cricket”. And they didn’t even do anything. They have written to Hamas, and pompously announced that they “INTEND to seal the tunnels”. At some point. In the future. No indication that they will seek any action against those responsible either. No threats to stop providing services.

  2. After 67 years of existence, why does UNRWA still exist? Why are still ‘refugee camps’ in areas that have been under sovereign control for more than a decade?

    Do I hear crickets?

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