At a solemn UN memorial in June, officials lit a candle to honor 136 United Nations employees who lost their lives in 2025. During the ceremony, the name of Imad Youssif El Samhouri was read aloud alongside other staff members.
El Samhouri had worked for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as a teacher and principal before Hamas identified him on Telegram as a field commander in the Al‑Qassam Brigades. The inclusion of his name sparked outrage among pro‑Israel groups and UN Watch, which called for an immediate apology from Secretary‑General António Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock.
UN officials respond
Guterres said the UN had sought families’ consent before reading names, but families of UNRWA staff could not be reached because many had been killed or displaced. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told Fox News Digital that the UN was unaware of El Samhouri’s alleged terrorist ties when the list was compiled, noting the name had appeared on a 2024 staff list shared with Israeli authorities without objection.
When pressed about retracting the honor, Dujarric suggested the blame lay with Israel for not raising concerns earlier, stating, “Had we known, his name would probably not have been included.”
Israeli reaction
Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon called the incident “outrageous,” saying the UN has lost its moral compass and that Israel ended UNRWA operations in Israel because of terrorists like El Samhouri operating within the agency.
UN Watch executive director Hillel Neuer presented evidence of El Samhouri’s public support for Hamas attacks and praise for the kidnapping of Israeli teens. He also cited a video in which El Samhouri thanked God for tunnels used against Israel, underscoring the extremist ideology.
Broader concerns about UNRWA
Neuer warned that El Samhouri is one of roughly 200 UNRWA employees linked to terror groups, according to his network map. He argued that UNRWA’s leadership has failed to vet staff, allowing Hamas influence over hiring, promotions, and union activities.
The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Inspector General is investigating 1,500 UNRWA employees for possible Hamas ties, having referred 108 staff to the State Department for suspension or removal from U.S.‑funded programs.
A senior State Department official said the investigation shows “the pervasive extent to which UNRWA has aided and abetted Hamas” and urged other UN agencies to study the findings to prevent similar failures.
While the UN has not responded to requests for comment on El Samhouri’s social‑media activity, the incident adds pressure on the organization to tighten vetting and ensure that humanitarian agencies are not used as cover for terrorist operations.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
