What is UNRWA, the Gaza aid provider Israel accuses of militant links? Israel’s allegations that 12 employees of a United Nations agency were involved in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack have led to several countries to cut off funding. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, employs thousands of staffers and provides vital aid and services to millions of people across the Middle East. In Gaza, it has been the main supplier of food, water and shelter to civilians during the Israel-Hamas war.