The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that the Kingdom is closely monitoring the international implications regarding several employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The Ministry emphasized in a statement the “importance of enhancing review and investigation procedures into these allegations to ascertain the facts supported by evidence. This is especially crucial given the humanitarian sacrifices made by UNRWA workers, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of many due to indiscriminate Israeli shelling of relief centers in and around the Gaza Strip.”
Saudi Arabia urged all UNRWA supporters to fulfill their supportive roles in humanitarian tasks towards Palestinian refugees within the besieged Gaza Strip.
The Kingdom highlighted “the importance of the Agency’s continued performance of its duties to ensure the provision of basic requirements for Palestinians, alleviating the impact of the humanitarian crisis in occupied Palestine.”
Earlier, the U.S. Department of State temporarily suspended funding to UNRWA, pending a review of claims that 12 of its employees might have been involved in the attacks on October 7, 2023.
UNRWA had previously announced the dismissal of several employees suspected of involvement in the October 7 attacks.
Recent reports indicate a significant number of countries have suspended their funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) due to allegations of some staff members’ involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel. The countries that have halted their financial support include the United States, European Union members, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and others. These actions came after reports suggested that about 12 UNRWA staff might have been involved in the attacks, which led to severe consequences, including the deaths of many Israelis and the taking of hostages. Following these allegations, UNRWA conducted an investigation and terminated nine out of the twelve implicated staff members.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the countries that suspended their funding to reconsider their decisions to ensure the continuity of UNRWA’s vital humanitarian operations. He emphasized the importance of accountability for any UN employee involved in acts of terror but also highlighted the critical role of the tens of thousands of UNRWA workers who serve in dangerous conditions and should not be penalized for the actions of a few individuals.
Despite the funding suspensions, countries like Ireland and Norway have expressed continued support for UNRWA, recognizing the crucial assistance it provides to Palestinian refugees, especially in Gaza, where the agency runs shelters for over one million people and provides essential food and healthcare services.
