The UK has joined the US in suspending funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees after ‘appalling’ allegations staff members were involved in Hamas’s deadly October 7 attack on Israel.
Another three countries, Australia, Italy and Canada have also paused donations.
More than 1,200 people were killed when Hamas launched an attack on civilians in Israel.
The bloodshed triggered the current war in Gaza, in which more than 25,000 Palestinians have been killed, after Israel vowed to destroy Hamas.
The Foreign Office said in a statement: “The UK is appalled by allegations that UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism that the UK Government has repeatedly condemned.
“The UK is temporarily pausing any future funding of UNRWA whilst we review these concerning allegations.
“We remain committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who desperately need it.”
(AFP via Getty Images)
The relief agency has played a key role in providing aid to the population of the beseiged enclave amid a mounting humanitarian disaster.
Earlier this week the foreign secretary Lord Cameron called for more provisions to be allowed to enter Gaza during a visit to the region.
The current crisis erupted on Friday when UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said it terminated contracts with “several” employees, and ordered an investigation, after Israel provded information alleging they played a role in the assault.
The US, the agency’s biggest donor, said allegations had been made against 12 employees. It has suspended funding.
Palestinian employees of UNWRA protest at job cuts
(AFP via Getty Images)
UNRWA has around 13,000 staff in Gaza, almost all of them Palestinians. They range from teachers, in schools run by the angency, to doctors and other medical staff.
In its October 7 attack, Hamas broke through the security fence surrounding Gaza and stormed nearby Israeli communities, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping some 250.
While some of the kidnapped have been released as part of transfer swaps with Israel, around 100 are still being held.
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