Ruth Wasserman Lande: Hamas held three female hostages in UN shelters among displaced Gazans, according to Israel’s Channel 13. This shows how UN shelters, like those run by UNRWA, have been exploited by Hamas as military bases. Despite boasting oversight, UNRWA staff—many tied to Hamas—failed to report such activities. Notably, Hamas has received over $1 billion via UNRWA, and countries like the U.S. and Sweden have since defunded it.

Hamas also hid hostages in Gaza hospitals, including Kamal Adwan, where Israel found 240 terrorists, many linked to the October 7th massacre. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya, the hospital director and a Hamas colonel, oversaw these operations. Such acts endanger patients and use civilians as shields.

Published in Israeli Citizen Spox, January 22, 2025.