The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has dismissed 70 staff members in Gaza amid long-standing allegations of connections to Hamas, the agency confirmed.

The terminations follow what sources describe as a USAID Inspector General investigation into the agency's operations. Israeli officials have previously raised concerns about potential collaboration between UNRWA staff and Hamas, which controls Gaza and is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.

UNRWA stated that the dismissals do not constitute an admission of guilt regarding the allegations. The agency has faced scrutiny over its operations in Gaza, where it provides essential services including education, healthcare, and emergency assistance to Palestinian refugees.

A senior State Department official commented on the dismissals, suggesting that the independent investigation was necessary for UNRWA to address what they characterized as operational concerns in Gaza. The agency employs thousands of staff members across Gaza to serve the territory's large refugee population.

The firings come as UNRWA continues to operate in Gaza despite ongoing tensions and security challenges in the region. The agency has maintained that it follows strict neutrality protocols in its humanitarian operations.