United Nations faces criticism over memorial for Hamas commander

The United Nations is facing criticism following a memorial ceremony that honored Imad El Samhouri, a former UNRWA school principal identified as a Hamas commander. The ceremony, attended by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, was part of an annual service held in June to memorialize employees killed during the previous year.

Critics, including Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon and UN Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer, have raised concerns regarding El Samhouri’s inclusion. Neuer cited evidence of El Samhouri’s involvement with Hamas, including a “martyrdom video” in which he appeared in military clothing. The United Nations has declined to issue an apology or retract the tribute, characterizing the inclusion as an error.

El Samhouri had served as a teacher and principal at the UNRWA Preparatory Boys School B in Rafah before his death in an Israeli airstrike in June 2025.