Several major donor countries have said they will halt funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees following Israel’s allegations that staff members took part in Hamas’ October 7 attack.
UNRWA has fired several people and promised a thorough investigation into the claims, which were not specified, while Israel has vowed to halt the agency’s work in Gaza after the war.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini vowed to hold accountable “including criminal prosecution” any staff found involved in “terrorist acts”.
UN chief Antonio Guterres has promised an immediate independent review of UNRWA, but also urged donor states to “guarantee the continuity” of the agency for the sake of “desperate populations”.
The United States said on Friday it had suspended funding for the UN agency, following a similar move by several other countries. Here’s what he said: