A top Hamas commander, Fatah Sharif, killed in an airstrike in Lebanon, was confirmed as a suspended UNRWA employee.

Sharif had been suspended in March due to allegations of ties to Hamas, which intensified scrutiny on UNRWA.

Israel had previously accused the agency of employing militants. Sharif was reportedly not open about his affiliation with Hamas, and his death has fueled criticism of UNRWA’s hiring practices, the Associated Press has reported.

Despite suspending him and launching an investigation, UNRWA faces increasing pressure over its handling of staff linked to militant groups, particularly from Israel.

Written by B.C. Begley