Employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) were also involved in the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, they had helped the terrorists.
Israel has made this sensational allegation. After this, nine countries have stopped funding to the agency. Following the allegations the UN dismissed the staff concerned.
Israel said that 12 employees of the agency had supported Hamas in the attack. This agency is helping 6 million people in Gaza, West Bank, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.
Its work is to provide humanitarian help to conflict affected people, deliver relief goods etc.
After these very serious allegations by Israel, America, Britain, Finland, Canada, Australia, Italy, Germany, Finland and Switzerland announced to stop funding UNRWA.
Agency will not be allowed to work in Gaza
Israel said it would not allow the United Nations humanitarian aid agency to work in Gaza. It called for the resignation of Philip Lazzarini, the head of the agency who fired the accused employees.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Katz expressed delight at the end of funding, saying that the agency for Gaza’s reconstruction should be replaced with agencies truly dedicated to peace and development.
UNRWA said that while we have expelled the accused staff, we are thoroughly investigating the allegations.
Hamas condemned
Hamas condemned the allegations against UNRWA. The United Nations and other international organizations must not bow to Israeli threats and pressure, she said.
Shocking decision to stop funding
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the nine countries’ decision poses a significant threat to its humanitarian work across the region, especially in Gaza.
That the agency’s funding be cut off in response to allegations against a small group of employees is shocking. We have been rejecting such allegations earlier also.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has criticized Israel on the entire matter. The Palestinian Authority appealed to reverse the decision to stop funding.
UN agency has been condemning
The UN-affiliated humanitarian aid agency has been condemning Israel over attacks on refugee camps in Gaza. Relations between the two sides have long been tense over humanitarian aid in Gaza.
In recent times, the tension between the two has increased amid conflict. The agency had recently issued a statement saying that Israel is disregarding international and humanitarian laws by attacking refugee camps.