U.S., U.K. Among 8 Countries Pausing Funding to UNRWA Amid Allegations 12 Employees Were Part of Oct. 7 Attack.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is facing a funding crisis as eight countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have paused their funding amid allegations that 12 of its employees were involved in the October 7 attack on Israel[5]. The UNRWA is responsible for providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees in the region, and the funding pause has raised concerns about the impact on the already vulnerable population.

Allegations of Involvement in Attack

The allegations of UNRWA employees’ involvement in the attack have prompted a swift response from several countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., which have paused their funding to the agency. The UNRWA has launched an investigation into the allegations, and the organization’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, has vowed to hold accountable any employee found to have been involved in “acts of terror.”

Funding Crisis

The funding pause by the eight countries, which account for more than half of the UNRWA’s annual budget of $1.1 billion, has raised concerns about the impact on the already vulnerable Palestinian refugee population. The UNRWA provides essential services such as education, healthcare, and food assistance to millions of refugees in the region, and the funding pause could have severe consequences for their well-being.

Response from the UN and Other Countries

The UN has pledged to conduct an “urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA” in response to the allegations. Meanwhile, several countries, including Germany and Finland, have also paused their funding to the agency pending the outcome of the investigation. The UNRWA has responded by firing several staff members and promising a thorough investigation into the claims.

Criticism from Palestinians and Hamas

The funding pause has been met with criticism from Palestinians and Hamas, who have accused the countries of caving in to Israeli pressure. Hamas has also accused the UNRWA of colluding with Israel, while Palestinian officials have called for the resumption of funding to the agency.

Seeking Accountability

As the investigation into the allegations continues, the UNRWA and the international community are seeking accountability for any employee found to have been involved in the attack. The funding pause has underscored the need for transparency and accountability in the agency’s operations, as well as the importance of ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.

The pause in funding to the UNRWA has raised concerns about the impact on the already vulnerable Palestinian refugee population. As the investigation into the allegations continues, the UNRWA and the international community are seeking accountability for any employee found to have been involved in the attack. The UN has pledged to conduct an “urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA” in response to the allegations, while the UNRWA has responded by firing several staff members and promising a thorough investigation into the claims.