Multiple countries, including Japan and Austria, have suspended funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the largest UN agency operating in Gaza. The crisis deepens over the alleged involvement of some UNRWA staff in the attacks.
The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and others have also halted their financial support. UNRWA, facing a dire situation, stated that humanitarian needs in Gaza are escalating rapidly.
The agency has dismissed several staff members over allegations of their involvement in the 7 October attacks, where Hamas militants infiltrated Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. An Israeli intelligence dossier claims that nearly 200 UNRWA workers are Hamas or Islamic Jihad operatives, with allegations that at least 12 crossed into Israel on the said date. UNRWA has terminated nine employees and is investigating.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the dossier's contents, describing UNRWA as "perforated with Hamas" and accusing it of promoting anti-Israel doctrines. The UN is conducting an internal investigation, and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed horror at the accusations while urging donor countries to ensure the continuity of UNRWA's operations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken termed the reports troubling but emphasized UNRWA's indispensable role in providing assistance to Gaza. He urged the organization to investigate, hold accountable those involved, and review procedures. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz canceled meetings with UNRWA's Commissioner-General and called for his resignation.
Japan, the sixth-largest donor to UNRWA, and Austria suspended payments, citing concerns about alleged staff involvement in the terror attack on Israel. UNRWA, if funding is not resumed, warns it won't sustain operations beyond February. The agency is currently grappling with growing humanitarian needs, including displacement, hunger, and the looming threat of famine in Gaza.
Juliette Touma, UNRWA's Director of Communications, called the allegations extremely serious and stressed the urgency of funding to avert a humanitarian crisis. She highlighted the ongoing investigations by the UN's oversight office in New York.
As the international community grapples with these allegations and funding suspensions, the situation in Gaza remains precarious, and the future of UNRWA's critical humanitarian operations hangs in the balance.