The United States is suspending funding to the U.N. agency tasked with aiding Palestinians after at least a dozen staffers were accused of directly participating in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. .
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency has long faced accusations that its staff are anti-Israel and support Hamas. On Friday, UNRWA Executive Director Philippe Lazzarini said: Confirmed Investigation into employees Israel accuses of participating in Oct. 7.
“Israeli authorities have provided UNRWA with information regarding the alleged involvement of several UNRWA personnel in the horrific attack on Israel on October 7,” Lazzarini said.
Mr. Lazzarini said he had obtained the evidence and that UNRWA had dismissed the accused worker. He explained:
To protect the Agency's ability to provide humanitarian assistance, I have taken the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these personnel and to launch an investigation to uncover the truth without delay. UNRWA personnel involved in acts of terrorism will be held accountable, including criminal prosecution.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said “big changes” were needed at the UN.
“Acts of terrorism disguised as humanitarian work are a disgrace to the @United Nations and the principles it claims to represent,” Gallant said. Said.
Meanwhile, the State Department announced that the United States would temporarily suspend taxpayer remittances to UNRWA.
Spokesman Matthew Miller said: “The United States is deeply troubled by allegations that 12 UNRWA personnel may have been involved in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.” Said. “While we review these allegations and the steps the United Nations is taking to address them, the State Department has temporarily suspended additional funding to UNRWA.”
american taxpayer fund It accounts for a significant portion of government agency budgets. In 2022 it was $1.6 billion.former president donald trump Suspended Aid It provided funding to UNRWA in 2018, but Biden reinstated funding after taking office.
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