The agency announced the dismissal of several of its staff over complaints, while UNRWA said it had ordered an investigation into information provided by Israel.
Britain, Australia, Italy and Canada are cutting funding to the UN agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, amid allegations that UN staff members were involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks, according to the BBC.
The development comes after the agency announced the dismissal of several of its staff over complaints and UNRWA says it has ordered an investigation into information provided by Israel.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “horrified by this news”.
“The UK is horrified by allegations that its staff UNRWA was involved in the October 7 attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism which the British government has repeatedly condemned,” the British Foreign Office said in a statement.
“The UK is temporarily suspending any future funding to UNWRA while we look into the specific allegations,” it added.
Earlier, the US Department of State announced it was suspending additional funding for the UN agency, saying it was “extremely troubled” by allegations that UN staff were involved in the attacks.
The EU also said it would assess further steps “based on the outcome of the full and comprehensive investigation”.
The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, said a full investigation into the allegations was underway and if anyone was found to be involved in “terrorist acts” he would be held accountable.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said her country would “work closely with UNRWA on investigations” and was consulting with its international partners.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has said he aims to end UNRWA’s operations in Gaza after the war. He said he would try to garner support from the US, the EU and other major donors to the organization.
Palestinian Authority Political Affairs Minister Hussein Al-Sheikh said the decision by some countries to end support for the vital UN agency “involves major political and humanitarian aid risks”.
Al-Sheikh urged Western donors to immediately reverse their decision, adding: “We need maximum support for this international organization.”
In a Telegram post, Hamas’ press office said the organization urged the UN and international organizations “not to give in to threats and blackmail” by Israel.
Source :Skai
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