Itongadol.-Last week, the Shin Bet (Israel security Agency), accused an employee of World Vision, an international NGO, of funneling millions of dollars to Hamas. Today, it claimed an employee of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) exploited his position to benefit the same.
Following these incidents, other international organizations operating in Gaza told The Jerusalem Post that Hamas has not interfered in their work.
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which mainly advocates for the rights of displaced persons, said that Hamas has not interfered with its work or compelled it to undertake any measures. “Our operations in Gaza have not been subject to any coercion that has interfered with our in-conflict and humanitarian operations,” a NRC spokesperson said.
The NRC added that it has a rigorous due diligence process. “We have a due diligence process that has not changed since the recent events. This process entails senior management handling resources and regular visits and oversight.”
The World Health Organization (WHO), which supports development and health programs in Gaza, did not say directly, but suggested Hamas has not interfered in the WHO’s work.
Gerald Rockenschaub, head of the WHO office in Jerusalem, remarked, “As a UN organization, our office strictly follows WHO rules and regulations, with constant oversight and monitoring of ongoing operations.
“We use every opportunity, including the recent reports from Gaza, to evaluate whether additional mitigation measures need to be put in place.”
For its part, Hamas has rejected the accusations that it has exploited international organizations and claimed that they are a ploy to tighten the blockade on Gaza.