UNRWA: Israel Gives No Evidence Of Workers Killed In Hamas Commander Status Attack

JAKARTA - Israeli authorities have accused a UN Palestinian aid agency (UNRWA) worker who was killed in central Gaza of his status as Hamas commander.

Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel's Security Agency have accused Mohammad Abu Etewi of being involved in the killing and kidnapping of Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023 and simultaneously employed by UNRWA.

Israeli authorities said Abu Etewi led the attack on a bomb shelter in Reim, southern Israel, on October 7, 2023, and was involved in directing and carrying out attacks on IDF forces as the war continued.

A UNRWA spokesman confirmed to CNN that Abu Etewi was included in the list of workers suspected of being Israelis as members of the Hamas military wing.

But when UNRWA asked for more information to investigate, Israel failed to provide it.

"Until now, UNRWA has not received any responses to the letter," saidaturah Touma from UNRWA as reported Friday, October 25.

Israeli authorities also released two photos of a man they refer to as Abu Etewi who allegedly participated in the October 7 attack.

The man was seen wearing a head covering and holding an object that looked like a gun.

IDF spokesman Daniel Marihi said the four bomb protections allegedly attacked by Abu Etewi were where the hostages Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alon Ohel, Or Levi and Eliya Cohen were taken.

Meanwhile, the family emphasized that Abu Etewi had no relationship with Hamas.

Mohammad is not at the forefront, he is not a fighter and has nothing to do with anything," Marwan Abu Etewi, the man's father, told CNN.

"We respect the resistance, but Mohammad has nothing to do with it. He is an employee and driver on duty by leaving for work at 07.30 am, transporting aid to refugees and those in need to go to school," he continued.