Nine countries suspend funding for UN agency suspected of aiding Hamas

Following allegations that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was complicit with Hamas in attacks on Israel, ten countries expressed dissatisfaction and decided to withhold funding to the NGO. Germany, Australia, Canada, USA, Italy, France, Finland, Netherlands, UK and Switzerland are the countries that have cut funding.

Israel has accused some UNRWA staff of involvement in the Islamist group’s October 7 attack. As soon as the information was transmitted, several countries condemned the NGO and believed that suspending funding would be the right thing to do, the publication explains. Times of Israel.

On Friday, the agency announced it was terminating the contracts of the employees in question and launching an investigation.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres responded to the accusations, considering them disgusting, and promised to punish officials involved in “terrorist acts.”

“Any UN employee involved in terrorist acts will be held accountable,” Guterres guaranteed, as quoted by Reuters.

Despite condemning the actions of which UNRWA workers are suspected, the United Nations Secretary-General calls for no reduction in economic support.

“While I understand your concerns, I urge governments that have suspended their contributions to at least ensure the continuity of UNRWA operations,” Guterres said.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees was founded in 1949 and is the center of humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Health care and education in the enclave are also provided by UNRWA. The activities of this NGO are necessary for two million people.

“These decisions jeopardize our ongoing humanitarian work throughout the region, including and especially in the Gaza Strip. The lives of the people in the Gaza Strip depend on this support, as does regional stability,” said Lazzarini,” said Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA.