US temporarily suspends funding to UN agency over alleged Hamas ties
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Reuters photo.
Washington: The United States has opted to temporarily withhold approximately $300,000 in funding to the United Nations agency in Palestine over ongoing investigations into allegations of agency staff involvement in the October 7 Hamas attacks.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is crucial for humanitarian aid in the region.
State Department spokesperson Matt Miller confirmed the funding pause citing the ongoing investigations into reports linking UNRWA staff to the Hamas attacks, reported CNN.
Despite the pause, he underscored the importance of a thorough investigation into the allegations, recognising UNRWA's crucial role in providing humanitarian support, including education, healthcare, and food relief to Gaza's population.
UNRWA, often criticised by Israel, denies allegations of anti-Israel incitement and diverting aid to Hamas.
It was initially scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks.
Last week, the US announced the temporary suspension of funding following emerging reports on potential connections between UNRWA staff and the Hamas attacks. The total impact of this funding pause may depend on the amount authorised by Congress for the fiscal year.
The United States has contributed around $121 million to UNRWA in the current fiscal year, according to Miller.
A meeting between the US and 34 other donor nations with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled for Tuesday.
The meeting aims to provide a briefing on actions taken since the revelation of the allegations against UNRWA staff. Guterres is expected to emphasise the organisation's vital humanitarian work during the meeting.
The allegations suggest that 13 UNRWA employees were associated with the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, with varying levels of involvement, according to information shared by an Israeli official. Claims include allegations that these employees participated in activities ranging from kidnapping hostages to setting up an operation room.
CNN has not seen the intelligence underlying the summary of allegations, but an Israeli official shared that of the 13 UNRWA employees, 10 were alleged Hamas operatives, two were Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives, and one remains unidentified.
Israeli intelligence claims that six UNRWA employees infiltrated Israel as part of the attack, with others involved in kidnapping and providing logistic support. The UN has not officially received the intelligence shared by Israel, and UNRWA has already terminated several employees in response to the allegations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that nine staff members central to the allegations have been fired, one is deceased, and the identities of two others are being clarified.
The fallout from the allegations has led several major donor countries, including the US, Germany, and the UK, to suspend funding to UNRWA. However, some countries like Norway, Ireland, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have continued their support.
UN officials have expressed concern that a suspension of payments from major donor countries could lead to UNRWA running out of funds, jeopardising humanitarian relief for millions of people, reported CNN.