UN Agency in Gaza Faces Turmoil and Funding Cuts After Allegations of Staff Involvement in Terror Attacks
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza is facing turmoil after Israel accused some of its staff members of involvement in terror attacks. In response, UNRWA has fired several employees and the US and other countries have paused funding to the organization. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that any UN employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, but urged countries to continue providing financial assistance to UNRWA to support the two million Gazans who rely on critical aid for daily survival.
What is UNRWA?
UNRWA was established by the United Nations after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war to provide humanitarian assistance for displaced Palestinians.
The organization supports 5.9 million Palestinian refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the 1948 War. It provides aid in the form of education, healthcare, camp infrastructure, social services, and emergency assistance.
Since its establishment, UNRWA's mandate has been renewed multiple times by the United Nations' General Assembly.
What are the allegations?
The exact nature of the alleged involvement of UNRWA employees in the October 7 terror attacks has not been specified by Israel or UNRWA. However, Israel has shared information about 12 staff members allegedly involved with both UNRWA and the US.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has terminated the contracts of the alleged employees and launched an investigation to establish the truth. Any staff member involved in acts of terror will be held accountable.
The Israel Defense Forces also claimed that UNRWA facilities were used for terrorist purposes, but UNRWA has stated that it has no further information on this and an internal investigation has been requested.
Current Relationship Between Israel and the UN
Israel's relations with the UN have been strained recently, particularly due to criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza and UN calls for a ceasefire.
In December, Israeli diplomats criticized UN Secretary-General António Guterres for bringing the conflict before the UN Security Council and urging a humanitarian ceasefire.
The allegations against UNRWA come on the same day that the UN's top court ordered Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza.
International Response and UNRWA's Reaction
Several Western countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Germany, have suspended funding for UNRWA following the allegations.
Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands are among the countries that have paused their funding. Norway, however, will continue its support pending the investigation results.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has described the funding suspensions as 'shocking' and warns of the impact on humanitarian relief for millions of people in Gaza.
