WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is demanding answers from the United Nations (UN) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) following reports that an Israeli hostage was held in the attic of a teacher employed by UNRWA.

An UNRWA Teacher Reportedly Held An Israeli Hostage In His Attic For Nearly 50 Days

“I am writing to you regarding a recent disturbing report that an Israeli hostage was held inside Gaza for nearly 50 days in the attic of a teacher employed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)… These allegations hardly come as a surprise given UNRWA’s history of antisemitism. Prior reporting indicates that UNRWA has employed individuals affiliated with Hamas, including graduating at least 100 Hamas terrorists from its schools. UNRWA facilities have been used to store weapons and as part of terrorist operations. Following the October 7 terror attacks against Israel, certain UNRWA staffers "immediately celebrated and justified" Hamas’ actions. We also know that for over a decade, Hamas has stolen aid from the UNRWA intended for the Palestinian people, including fuel and medical equipment following the October 7 attacks.”

UNRWA’s Continued Involvement With Hamas Is Disturbing – And The UN Has Seemingly Done Nothing To Stop It

“The United States will not be complicit in propping up Hamas’ terrorism, and this report further proves why deep change is necessary within UNRWA before we even consider providing another dollar to the agency. Additionally, it is deeply concerning that, despite the prevalence of these reports, the United Nations has seemingly done nothing to investigate or prevent the siphoning of UNRWA funding by terrorists. And UNRWA continues to double down on its claims that each subsequent, documented report is ‘unsubstantiated.’”

Click here to view the letter.