Stefanik says UNRWA 'cesspool of antisemitism' after it employed Hamas commander

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., the House GOP conference chair, described the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) as a 'cesspool of antisemitism' and it was revealed that a Hamas commander was employed by the agency.

“UNRWA’s confirmation that the head of Hamas forces in Lebanon, Fateh Sherif, was their employee is the latest proof that the United Nations has become a cesspool of antisemitism," she said in a statement on Monday. 

"President Trump rightfully cut off taxpayer dollars from funding UNRWA while Joe Biden and Kamala Harris outrageously reversed this decision and provided funding for an organization whose employees directly participated in the October 7th terrorist attacks against our most precious ally Israel. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris must permanently cut off UNRWA funding, revoke its tax-exempt status, and provide oversight of every U.S. dollar the UN receives,” she added.

The UNRWA chief on Monday denied knowing that employee Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin was a Hamas commander in Lebanon.

Abu el-Amin was killed in an Israeli strike in Lebanon.

Stefanik has introduced the Uncovering UNRWA's Terrorist Crimes Act which would "prohibit U.S. taxpayer dollars from going to UNRWA and require a report detailing exactly how much money the Biden-Harris Administration has sent the organization," her office said.