Overview

• The Southern District of New York dismissed claims brought by more than 100 survivors and relatives who filed the case in June seeking $1 billion in damages.
• Plaintiffs alleged UNRWA assisted Hamas by enabling weapons storage, tunnels and command centers at its facilities and through dollar-denominated salary practices.
• The court concluded it lacks jurisdiction because UNRWA can invoke United Nations immunity and has not waived that protection.
• The decision contrasts with an April 2025 Justice Department letter asserting UNRWA is not a subsidiary organ entitled to immunity under U.S. law.
• Neither UNRWA nor the plaintiffs issued immediate public reactions to the ruling.