UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to donor states to ensure the continuity of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) after some countries suspended funding over allegations of staff involvement in Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel.
In a statement on Saturday, Guterres acknowledged the concerns of donor governments and emphasized, “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.”
Israel accused several UNRWA staff members of being involved in the attack by Hamas, prompting key donor countries to halt their funding. UNRWA has taken action by dismissing several staff members and committing to a thorough investigation into the unspecified claims made by Israel.
Israel has announced its intention to halt UNRWA’s operations in Gaza following the conflict.
The tension between Israel and UNRWA coincides with a ruling by the UN’s International Court of Justice on Friday, directing Israel to prevent potential acts of genocide in the conflict and facilitate increased aid delivery to Gaza.
Guterres affirmed, “The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences. But the tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized.”
He stated that 12 UNRWA employees were implicated in the accusations, with nine being terminated, one deceased, and the identity of the remaining two being clarified.
Several major donor countries, including the United States, Britain, Canada, and Switzerland, have announced temporary suspensions of their current or future funding to UNRWA in response to the allegations.
