What do eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Gaza have in common? Both suffer conflict, but in neither case was war foreordained. Rather, in both Congo and Gaza, decades of United Nations negligence and mismanagement drove the regions to war.

Consider Gaza: Thousands of Israelis and Gazans died in the war that erupted after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. That attack occurred with the foreknowledge of many United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees employees. UNRWA-run hospitals became Hamas command and control centers. UNRWA officials diverted aid to build a tunnel system that rivaled that of North Vietnam 55 years ago. Some UNRWA employees even participated in rape, torture, and murder. Released hostages say that they spent time in UNRWA facilities while under Hamas captivity.