UN working in Gaza Countries have suspended payments to the agency

The United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have expressed concern over allegations that Hamas officials were involved in the attack.

Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have suspended payments to UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the United Nations) following reports that its staff were involved in attacks that marked the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Decision to stop funding Already captured by the US.

The UN agency (United Nations) aims to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees living in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Lebanon and Syria. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, he asked Speedy trial of the case.

In a statement (completenessIn English – PDF – 236 kB), the UK Government announced “Stunned“With charges and will be temporarily suspended”Future financing“Until the facts are analyzed.”We are committed to delivering humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who need it most”, says the text.

Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, announced the end of funding to UNRWA. Mail At X (formerly Twitter). “Allies recently took the same decision. We are committed to providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people while protecting Israel's security“, he wrote.

At X, Ahmed Hussen, Canada's Minister of International Development, he said that country”Deep concernAnd funding will ceasePending the outcome of the investigationFrom UNRWA.

In a statement posted on social media, he said Canada would not reduce support for the population of the Gaza Strip and would continue to provide vital humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian Territory. “Other Partners”.

Australian Foreign Minister Benny Wong was invited Doubts that “Disgusting”. According to her, the country “Welcomes UNRWA's swift response”.

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UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that he has been informed of allegations that several UNRWA officials were involved in the attacks in Israel on October 7. In a statement issued by his spokesperson on Friday (January 26), he said he was aware of the news.Very seriousand by the Agency's General Commissioner, Philippe LazzariniTerrified”.

According to Lazzarini, it was the Israeli authorities who provided information about the employees' alleged participation.

Guterres asked the Commissioner-General to investigate the matter and confirm any staff of the agency.Those who participated or were complicit in the acts or any other criminal activity will be immediately dismissed and referred for possible criminal prosecution.”.

UNRWA says it has opened an investigation into workers suspected of involvement in the attacks, saying its contractual relationship with them has been terminated.