United Nations Secretary-Common Antonio Guterres known as on member international locations to renew their funding for the United Nations Aid and Works Company for Palestine Refugees within the Close to East (UNRWA), regardless of accusations from Israel that a few of the group’s staff participated in Hamas’ bloody incursion late final yr.
The U.S., Germany, U.Ok., Canada and no less than 5 different international locations have temporarily halted funding for this system. Israel launched proof exhibiting {that a} dozen of the group’s staff in Gaza had participated within the bloodbath of 1,200 Israeli residents by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023.
“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 mentioned in a press release on Sunday.
“Of the 12 people implicated, nine were immediately identified and terminated by the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini; one is confirmed dead, and the identity of the two others is being clarified,” he added. “Any UN employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.”
U.N. Secretary-Common Antonio Guterres (Reuters/Andrew Kelly/File)
“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. The dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met,” Guterres mentioned.
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The State Division below former President Trump lower ties with the UNRWA in 2018, however President Biden resumed the connection shortly after taking workplace. He continued to extend spending for the group, with funds exceeding $1 billion.
President Biden’s administration lower funding for the UNRWA. (AP Picture/Jacquelyn Martin)
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised the U.S. choice to droop funding as “an important step in holding UNRWA accountable.”
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“At least a dozen UNRWA employees participated in the horrific attack conducted on Oct. 7: These are ‘humanitarian workers,’ with salaries paid for by international donations, with blood on their hands,” Gallant mentioned in a press launch following the State Division’s announcement.
The United Nations support group UNRWA is tasked with offering support to Palestinians in Gaza. (AP/Adel Hana)
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The funding lower follows growing allegations that began in December 2023 when an Israeli citizen taken hostage by Hamas mentioned upon launch that they’d remained captive within the attic of a UNRWA trainer. One other hostage mentioned a Gazan physician – reportedly a pediatrician – helped maintain one other hostage captive for Hamas.
Fox Information’ Timothy H.J. Nerozzi and Peter Aitken contributed to this report.
