Exclusive: ‘Jerusalem Post’ reveals new information of how Hamas personal terrorized UN workers at gun-point & commandeered humanitarian goods during Israel’s ‘Operation Protective Edge’.
By NOAM ROTENBERG
The Jerusalem Post obtained new information from informed sources this week that Hamas used violence and threats against UN personnel in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge.
UNRWA Spokesperson Christopher Gunness denied the newly-reported details, saying “I have checked and double checked with sources in Gaza and there is no evidence of death threats made to UNRWA personnel.
There is no evidence that any UNRWA aid was stolen. Our aid delivery is secure and we have shown it to be so time and time again over many years. Moreover, we have demonstrated this repeatedly to the satisfaction of the Israeli military authorities and major donor such as the US. Everything is checked under strict procedures from the point of origin to the point of delivery. There were two occasions after the fighting in 2008-9 when food aid was stolen. On both occasions I made strong public condemnations and on both occasions everything was returned. We are open, transparent and secure.”
“For years the Jerusalem Post has run editorials that time after time accuse UNRWA of supporting Hamas in a wide variety of ways. Now we are hearing the complete opposite – accusations that Hamas are threatening to kill our staff at gunpoint. The truth is that our neutrality is the family silver and we could not operate in combat zones such as Gaza, or indeed Syria without it, so we guard it jealously,” he added.