UN urges countries not to pull funding amid Israel's Oct 7 attack allegations

UNRWA aid in peril after accusations some staff involved in Hamas’ deadly incursion

 

United Nations officials and aid groups called for countries to reconsider their decision to pause funding for the UN refugee agency for Palestinians on Jan 28, warning that its life-saving aid for some two million people in Gaza was in jeopardy.

At least nine countries, including top donors the United States and Germany, have paused funding for the UN refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) following allegations by Israel that some of its staff were involved in the deadly Oct 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people.

"While I understand their concerns - I was myself horrified by these accusations - I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to at least guarantee the continuity of UNRWA's operations," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Jan 28, vowing to hold to account "any UN employee involved in acts of terror".

Mr Guterres said 12 staff had been implicated and that nine had been fired, one was dead and the identities of the other two were being clarified. He promised a thorough investigation into the allegations.

Mr Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA commissioner-general, also urged countries to reconsider funding suspensions. 

"It would be immensely irresponsible to sanction an agency and an entire community it serves because of allegations of criminal acts against some individuals, especially at a time of war, displacement and political crises in the region," Mr Lazzarini said in a statement.

"The lives of people in Gaza depend on this support and so does regional stability," he added.