A United Nations memorial ceremony has drawn criticism after it honoured Imad Youssif El Samhouri, a former UNRWA employee later identified by Hamas as a field commander in its Al-Qassam Brigades. UN Watch has demanded apologies from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, arguing the incident raises concerns about UNRWA’s ability to prevent militant links among staff.

El Samhouri, who worked as a teacher and school principal for UNRWA, was among 136 UN employees commemorated at a June ceremony for personnel killed in 2025. A UN spokesperson said the agency was unaware of the allegations when his name was included, and said staff lists had been shared with Israel without concerns being raised; Israel’s UN ambassador rejected that explanation and said Israel had repeatedly warned the organisation about Hamas operatives within UNRWA.