In Brief:
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Amini LLC has been engaged as trial counsel in a legal action against defendants, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and several of its current and former senior leaders, currently underway before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
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The case asserts that the acts committed by Hamas, with UNRWA’s and the individual defendants’ assistance, constitute torts under international law as well as violating the Torture Victims Protection Act.
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The lawsuit alleges that UNRWA and its leadership knowingly misdirected over $1 billion to Hamas, a terrorist organization as designated by the United States and other countries, in violation of the law.
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The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a letter arguing that defendants UNRWA and the individual defendants are entitled to immunity under the treaty known as the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.
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Amini LLC is challenging this position on behalf of our clients, arguing that UNRWA and the individual defendants are not entitled to immunity for the acts alleged.
- Several prominent organizations & individuals filed friends of the court briefs.
For more information or inquiries, please contact marketing@aminillc.com.
Documents
Plaintiffs' Complaint Filed by Amini LLC
June 24, 2024
Filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of 101 plaintiffs (non-U.S. citizen victims of the October 7 Attack and/or their estates & survivors).
United States Government Asserts Immunity for Defendants
July 30, 2024
The United States Government claimed immunity for the named defendants on grounds that UNRWA is affiliated with the United Nations
Amini LLC’s Opposition to Immunity
September 13, 2024
Argument that UNRWA lacks immunity for the claims brought forth in the government’s letter.
Amini LLC Responds to U.S. Government Regarding Immunity Issues
November 6, 2024
Amicus Briefs
September 2024
In the News
"Hamas Skimmed $1 Billion in U.N. Aid for Weapons and Tunnels, Suit Says.”
Jacob Panzar, The New York Times, June 24, 2024.
"UNRWA Is Sued by Israeli Victims of Oct. 7 Hamas Attack."
Reuters, June 24, 2024.
"Israelis’ lawsuit says UN agency helps Hamas by paying Gaza staff in dollars.”
AP News, June 24, 2024.
About Amini LLC
Amini LLC is a premier boutique litigation practice, distinguished by its team of seasoned trial attorneys who excel in handling complex, high-stakes commercial disputes and achieving multi-million-dollar outcomes for clients. To learn more about our work, please visit our website.
Attorneys & team on this case:
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