New Documentary Alleges UNRWA’s Links to Terrorism and Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
NEW YORK — December 3, 2025 — A new documentary titled “UNraveling UNRWA” has brought renewed attention to longstanding allegations that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has ties to Hamas and has contributed to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, officials said. The film was screened at the Meyerson JCC in Manhattan on December 2, exposing claims that UNRWA’s facilities and staff have been involved in activities supporting terrorism and fostering antisemitism.
The documentary revisits evidence presented over the past two years, including testimonies and photographs suggesting that UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas. Among the allegations are that two UNRWA employees were implicated in the kidnapping of Yonatan Samerano, an Israeli civilian killed during the attack. His body was later recovered in a rescue operation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Additional claims include recordings of UNRWA teachers boasting about kidnapping Israeli women and the presence of terrorist infrastructure, such as tunnel shafts and weapons caches, within multiple UNRWA facilities in the Gaza Strip. The film argues that UNRWA’s schools have served as incubators of antisemitism, indoctrinating hatred that contributed to the violence of October 7.
The documentary also highlights the case of Mohammad Abu Itiwi, a Hamas commander involved in the attacks, who was reportedly employed by UNRWA at the time, according to the IDF spokesperson’s unit.
Amid these revelations, New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has drawn criticism for his support of UNRWA. Weeks before his election victory, Mamdani participated in a “5K for Gaza” run in Brooklyn, with proceeds benefiting UNRWA. Critics have described this as a troubling decision given the agency’s controversial reputation.
The film and related events underscore ongoing debates about the role of UNRWA in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and raise questions about the agency’s accountability and impact on regional stability.
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