Gallant to UN Ambassadors: UNRWA Has Lost Its Legitimacy

Defense Minister Gallant met with a delegation of UN Ambassadors in Israel led by Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan today (Thursday), sharply criticizing the conduct of UNRWA.

During the meeting the Defense Minister noted that “UNRWA lost its legitimacy to exist in its current form – the money of the countries of the world was invested by UNRWA to strengthen terror infrastructures and pay terrorists.”

Gallant presented the ambassadors with signs of IDF progress in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the IDF would continue to fight until it achieved its goals – dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities, removing it from power in Gaza, and returning the hostages.

The Window for a Diplomatic Solution in the North is Closing

He also spoke of the fighting in the north, making it clear that the window of opportunity for a diplomatic solution before Israel launches a military operation to ensure 80,000 citizens in the north can safely return to their homes is shrinking. He stressed that Israel prefers a diplomatic solution, but is also working to prepare a military option.

Responding to ambassadors’ questions, Minister Gallant detailed the aggressive actions of Iran against Israel on seven different fronts. Gallant told them that Israel would act against any threat, and that the international community bears the responsibility to act against Iranian aggression with deeds.

Gallant and the ambassadors also discussed the involvement of UNRWA employees in the Hamas massacre of October 7, providing detailed information connecting UNRWA employees to Hamas. He stressed that UNRWA does not operate as a legitimate aid organization and has lost its legitimacy to exist in its current structure, due to the ongoing symbiosis between UNRWA and Hamas.