The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General has committed to holding accountable any UN staff found to be involved in terrorist activities, in response to claims that members of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency were part of the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.
However, Antonio Guterres urged governments to continue supporting the UN Refugee Agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) after nine countries suspended their funding.
“Any UN employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Guterres said in a statement.
He assured that any staff involved in terrorism would face consequences, including potential criminal charges, and emphasized the UN’s willingness to collaborate with relevant authorities for prosecution.
Guterres defended the vast majority of UNRWA employees, highlighting their work in challenging environments and the critical needs of the populations they assist.
He also provided an update on the implicated UNRWA staff, noting that nine had been dismissed, one was deceased, and the status of the remaining two was under review.
Following Israel’s allegations, countries like the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, the US, Australia, and Canada have temporarily halted their financial support to UNRWA, which plays a vital role in supporting the Gaza population.
“While I understand their concerns – I was myself horrified by these accusations – I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s operations,” Guterres said.
Guterres confirmed that the names of 12 UNRWA employees were included in the Israeli accusations, into which the UN opened an investigation.
He explained that 9 of them were expelled and one was killed, while the identity of two others is being verified.
