The United States will closely consider what steps the UN relief agency for the Palestinians (Unrwa) will take in response to what it called “deeply disturbing” allegations that some of its workers were involved in the Hamas attack on Israeli soil on the 7th October, the US Secretary of State said on Monday.

Washington has announced it will temporarily freeze additional funding to UNRWA following information it received from Israel about the alleged role of some of the agency’s staff.

The head of American diplomacy, Anthony Blinken, said that it is “imperative” that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees investigates the specific accusations, while considering its work “necessary”.

“It is imperative that UNRWA investigate immediately, as it has said it will, hold those responsible properly accountable, and review its procedures,” Blinken told a news conference.

“Unrwa has played and continues to play an absolutely necessary role in ensuring that the men, women and children in desperate need of aid in Gaza actually benefit from it,” said Blinken, adding that “this alone underlines the importance for UNRWA to deal with this problem as quickly, efficiently and thoroughly as possible.”