On Friday, the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees announced the dismissal of “several” employees accused by Israel of participating in the October 7 attack on southern communities by Hamas.
The United States responded to the accusations by temporarily suspending crucial funding to the organization.
UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini stated that the decision was made to safeguard the agency’s ability to provide humanitarian assistance, emphasizing that any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror would be held accountable, potentially facing criminal prosecution.
Israeli authorities had shared information regarding the alleged involvement of these staff members, with a senior Israeli official highlighting that the intelligence was based on the active participation of UNRWA staffers, the use of the agency’s vehicles, and facilities in the October 7 terror attack.
UN Chief Antonio Guterres expressed horror at the accusations and announced an urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA.
In response to the allegations, the U.S. State Department expressed deep concern and temporarily halted additional funding while reviewing both the claims and the UN’s plan to address these concerns.
Pro-Israel countries including the United States, UK, Canada and some others have suspended funding for the UNRWA due to allegations of its staffers involvement in attack on Israel along with Hamas.
