AUSTRALIA and other countries stopped sending aid to the United Nations Agency for Palestinian refugees following reports some of the organization’s employees were allegedly involved in the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7.
UNITED Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to countries that have halted funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the near east (UNRWA) to resume donations in the wake of controversy linked to the agency.
Nine countries have taken actions since Israel told UNRWA some staff were involved in the October 7 attack launched by Hamas.
The countries involved were Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Israeli authorities said at least 12 employees were allegedly involved in using the agency’s vehicles and facilities in the October 7 attack.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said the agency had sacked several employees involved in the issue to protect the agency’s ability and integrity to deliver humanitarian assistance. Lazzarini added any employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable.
The agency head, however, pointed out it would be immensely irresponsible to sanction an agency and the community it serves because of allegations of criminal acts, especially at a time of war.
Lazzarini made the statement after Guterres appealed to countries who suspended funding to resume handing out their donations.
Israeli authorities said there was strong proof of the involvement of the UN employees based on their intelligence sources from the military and the General Security Service.
