Western Countries Suspend Support for UN Relief Agency Linked to Hamas

Western countries have announced the suspension of financial support to the United Nations (UN) relief agency amid allegations that some of its staff members are linked to Hamas.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to major foreign media on the 27th (local time), following the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Finland have temporarily suspended financial support to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Earlier, Israel raised suspicions in October last year that 12 UNRWA staff members were involved in Hamas's surprise attack. In 2022, the United States provided $340 million to UNRWA, while four countries?Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Finland?collectively contributed $66 million.

Israel's Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz stated, "UNRWA must be transformed into an institution for genuine peace and development," urging others to join in suspending financial support. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, said that contracts of staff involved in the Hamas attack have been terminated and a transparent investigation has been requested, adding, "It is shocking that funding has been suspended in response to allegations against a small number of staff."

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