The US State Department said it is pausing additional funding for the UN Palestinian refugee agency on Friday after Israel alleged 12 members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) were involved in the Hamas-led October 7 attacks.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), set up in 1949, carries out direct relief and works programmes for Palestine refugees.
This is the first time the Biden administration took steps against the UNRWA after renewing US funding to the agency. The Trump administration completely cut off funding to the UNRWA.
“(The US is) extremely troubled by the allegations. (The Biden administration has) temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA while we review these allegations and the steps the United Nations is taking to address them,” US state department spokesman Matthew Miller said.
The Israeli military and Shin Bet citing intel told the Israeli government that they found active participation of UNRWA staffers and use of UNRWA vehicles and facilities during the October 7 attacks.
According to US-based news outlet Axios, Israeli officials obtained the information from interrogating terrorists arrested during the attacks that staffers of the UNRWA were involved in the attacks.
“This was strong and corroborated intelligence. A lot of the intelligence is a result of interrogations of militants who were arrested during the Oct. 7 attack,’ the official was quoted as saying by Axios.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said he has terminated the contracts of the accused staff members and ordered a probe. “Any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Lazzarini said.
“I have taken the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an investigation in order to establish the truth without delay. Anyone who betrays the fundamental values of the United Nations also betrays those whom we serve in Gaza, across the region and elsewhere around the world,” he further added.
“The UN will conduct an urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA,” Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said.
The UNRWA also demanded “the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages and their safe return to their families”.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke to UN secretary general Antonio Guterres and highlighted the need of conducting a speedy probe into the matter.
“(He emphasized) the necessity of a thorough and swift investigation of this matter. UNRWA plays a critical role in providing lifesaving assistance to Palestinians, including essential food, medicine, shelter, and other vital humanitarian support. Their work has saved lives, and it is important that UNRWA address these allegations and take any appropriate corrective measures, including reviewing its existing policies and procedures,” Miller said.
Israel defence minister Yoav Gallant thanked the Biden administration for taking the step. “(It is) an important step in holding UNRWA accountable. Terrorism under the guise of humanitarian work is a disgrace to the UN and the principles it claims to represent,” Gallant said.
Comments
0 comment