The suspension of funding by a growing number of Western countries for UNRWA for Palestinians has raised questions about the fate of the refugees it serves. WION tells you more in this report.

Palestinians condemn suspension of UNRWA funding by West

After the US, Australia, UK, Japan & Germany; New Zealand joins the list of countries that have suspended their funding to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. The UN agency, considered a lifeline for two million people in the besieged enclave has suffered funding cuts after several of its staff were accused of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

UNRWA Crisis: New Zealand suspends funding to UN agency in Gaza

Over a dozen countries, including the United States and more recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-suspends-financial-support-to-unrwa-amid-allegations-of-staff-involvement-in-gaza-attack-684707">Japan</a>, have suspended funds for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas. However, a UN expert said that these countries may be violating the World Court order to provide effective aid in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Why are countries pausing the funding to Gaza?</h2>

At least 14&nbsp;countries, including top donors like the US and Germany, have paused funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), amid accusations by Israel that their staff participated in the October 7 attack by the Palestinian militant group&nbsp;Hamas.&nbsp;

The allegations led to the UNRWA terminating several employees based on the information provided by Israeli authorities. However, many countries are now hesitant to continue the UN agency funding and calling for a thorough investigation.&nbsp;

New Zealand, on Tuesday&nbsp;(Jan 30) joined a growing number of countries: Australia, Austria,&nbsp;Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands,&nbsp;Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the US, to halt the funding to the UNRWA.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the European Union,&nbsp;one of UNRWA's top donors, on Monday (Jan 29)&nbsp;demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN agency for Palestinians.&nbsp;

A commission statement said the EU executive "will determine upcoming funding decisions...in light of the very serious allegations made on 24 January relating to the involvement of UNRWA staff in the heinous 7 October attacks". It also said&nbsp;no additional funding to UNRWA "is foreseen until the end of February".

The Palestinian militant group Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the killing of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 240 people were taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli officials. Approximately more than 100 people are still said to be in Hamas captivity.&nbsp;

Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and ground operation in the Palestinian enclave killing more than 26,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. &nbsp;

<h2>UN responds to suspension of aid</h2>

The UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini in a statement, on Saturday (Jan 27) slammed what he called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-agency-for-palestinians-slams-shocking-suspension-of-funds-by-several-western-countries-684412">“shocking” suspensions of funding</a>.&nbsp;

“It is shocking to see a suspension of funds to the agency in reaction to allegations against a small group of staff, especially given the immediate action that UNRWA took by terminating their contracts and asking for a transparent independent investigation,” said Lazzarini, in a statement.&nbsp;

“Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment,” the UNRWA chief said on X and added “This stains all of us.”

Meanwhile, UN chief Antonio Guterres on Sunday (Jan 28) urged the donor states to “guarantee the continuity” of funds to the UNRWA. He added, “The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences.”&nbsp;

However, Guterres said, “tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized.”

“Any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Lazzarini assured when the allegations were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-warns-will-end-un-agencys-operations-in-gaza-nations-halt-aid-amid-oct-7-allegations-684304">first levelled</a> against the agency’s staff.

<h2>Are the countries violating international law?</h2>

UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, warned that the decision taken by several countries to pause the funding to the UNRWA “overtly defies” the order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to allow effective humanitarian assistance to reach Gazans.&nbsp;

“This will entail legal responsibilities - or the demise of the (international) legal system,” said the UN expert, in a post on X.&nbsp;

Albanese is referring to one, among the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-key-takeaways-from-icj-order-in-gaza-genocide-case-against-israel-684019">series of provisional measures</a> on Israel given by the ICJ which included “order to allow effective humanitarian assistance ‘to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza’”.&nbsp;

The court order stated, “Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”

The UN judges gave an interim ruling on January 26 as the World Court continues to hear the case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of state-led genocide in the Gaza Strip amid its ongoing operation in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

The UN special rapporteur, an independent expert&nbsp;who does not speak on behalf of the United Nations, also went on to highlight the timing that the announcements were made by several countries.&nbsp;

“The day after ICJ concluded that Israel is plausibly committing genocide in Gaza, some states decided to defund UNRWA,” said Albanese, in a separate post on X.&nbsp;

She also noted that by pausing the funding, countries are “collectively punishing millions of Palestinians at the most critical time, and most likely violating their obligations under the Genocide Convention”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, an American International law professor Francis Boyle at the University of Illinois College of Law, who also serves as a legal adviser to the Provisional Government of the Palestinian Authority, in an interview with MSNBC called the suspension of funding “inconsistent” with the court order.&nbsp;

The governments who have made this decision without any due process or investigation, according to Boyle, are in violation of Article 2(c) of the Genocide Convention, which states “Deliberately&nbsp;inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.”

It is also worth noting that in its 29-page court order, the UN judges did indicate that they see a credible risk to Palestinians under the Genocide Convention, saying that “there is a real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused to the rights claimed before the Court gives its final decision.”

“South Africa does not need to prove that Israel is committing genocide,” Juliette McIntyre, an international law expert told AFP <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-africa-discuss-gaza-war-as-israel-braces-for-world-court-ruling-on-genocide-case-683799">ahead of the interim ruling</a>, adding that they “simply need to establish that there is a plausible risk of genocide occurring.”&nbsp;

Experts ahead of the vote also said if the court decides there is a risk of genocide in Gaza, it could still have a ripple effect, particularly on the nations which support Israel politically or militarily.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel’s accusations against UNRWA staff</h2>

In his Sunday statement, the UN chief said 12 UNRWA employees were cited in the accusations by Israel out of which one is dead, nine have been fired and the “identity of the two others is being clarified.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, news agency Reuters, on Monday (Jan 29) reported that Israeli intelligence released a six-page dossier which alleges that some 190 UNRWA employees, including teachers, have doubled as Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants.

One of the 11 accused is said to be a school counsellor who allegedly provided unspecified assistance to his son in the abduction of a woman during the Hamas infiltration.&nbsp;

Another UNRWA social worker, according to Reuters, has been accused of coordinating the movements of pick-up trucks used by the raiders and of weapons supplies.

Another Palestinian working for the UN agency is accused of participating in an attack on Reim, the site both of an army base and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-militants-parachuted-into-israeli-music-festival-turned-it-into-a-massacre-video-644452">Supernova music festival</a> where, according to Israeli officials, more than 360 revellers were killed.&nbsp;

The Reuters report, citing an anonymous source, also said that the report had been compiled by Israeli intelligence and was shared with the US, which was among the first countries to suspend funding for UNRWA, on Friday (Jan 26).&nbsp;

<h2>UNRWA’s role in Gaza</h2>

On Monday (Jan 29), the UN agency said that it would not be able to continue operations in Gaza and surrounding regions after the end of February without any new funding.

Notably, the UNRWA plays a significant role in the Palestinian enclave and helps provide education, health and aid services to two-thirds of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.&nbsp;

Therefore, without any further aid, the future of millions of Palestinians hangs in balance <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-qatar-officials-meet-in-paris-for-gaza-ceasefire-talks-684867">amid the ongoing war</a> and&nbsp;deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Over a dozen countries, including the United States and more recently Japan, have suspended funds for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Over a dozen countries, including the United States and more recently Japan, have suspended funds for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas. However, a UN expert said that these countries may be violating the World Court order to provide effective aid in Gaza. Why are countries pausing the funding to Gaza? At least 14 countries, including top donors like the US and Germany, have paused funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), amid accusations by Israel that their staff participated in the October 7 attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The allegations led to the UNRWA terminating several employees based on the information provided by Israeli authorities. However, many countries are now hesitant to continue the UN agency funding and calling for a thorough investigation. New Zealand, on Tuesday (Jan 30) joined a growing number of countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the US, to halt the funding to the UNRWA. Meanwhile, the European Union, one of UNRWA's top donors, on Monday (Jan 29) demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN agency for Palestinians. A commission statement said the EU executive "will determine upcoming funding decisions...in light of the very serious allegations made on 24 January relating to the involvement of UNRWA staff in the heinous 7 October attacks". It also said no additional funding to UNRWA "is foreseen until the end of February". The Palestinian militant group Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the killing of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 240 people were taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli officials. Approximately more than 100 people are still said to be in Hamas captivity. Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and ground operation in the Palestinian enclave killing more than 26,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. UN responds to suspension of aid The UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini in a statement, on Saturday (Jan 27) slammed what he called “shocking” suspensions of funding. “It is shocking to see a suspension of funds to the agency in reaction to allegations against a small group of staff, especially given the immediate action that UNRWA took by terminating their contracts and asking for a transparent independent investigation,” said Lazzarini, in a statement. “Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment,” the UNRWA chief said on X and added “This stains all of us.” Meanwhile, UN chief Antonio Guterres on Sunday (Jan 28) urged the donor states to “guarantee the continuity” of funds to the UNRWA. He added, “The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences.” However, Guterres said, “tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized.” “Any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Lazzarini assured when the allegations were first levelled against the agency’s staff. Are the countries violating international law? UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, warned that the decision taken by several countries to pause the funding to the UNRWA “overtly defies” the order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to allow effective humanitarian assistance to reach Gazans. “This will entail legal responsibilities - or the demise of the (international) legal system,” said the UN expert, in a post on X. Albanese is referring to one, among the series of provisional measures on Israel given by the ICJ which included “order to allow effective humanitarian assistance ‘to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza’”. The court order stated, “Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.” The UN judges gave an interim ruling on January 26 as the World Court continues to hear the case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of state-led genocide in the Gaza Strip amid its ongoing operation in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. The UN special rapporteur, an independent expert who does not speak on behalf of the United Nations, also went on to highlight the timing that the announcements were made by several countries. “The day after ICJ concluded that Israel is plausibly committing genocide in Gaza, some states decided to defund UNRWA,” said Albanese, in a separate post on X. She also noted that by pausing the funding, countries are “collectively punishing millions of Palestinians at the most critical time, and most likely violating their obligations under the Genocide Convention”. Meanwhile, an American International law professor Francis Boyle at the University of Illinois College of Law, who also serves as a legal adviser to the Provisional Government of the Palestinian Authority, in an interview with MSNBC called the suspension of funding “inconsistent” with the court order. The governments who have made this decision without any due process or investigation, according to Boyle, are in violation of Article 2(c) of the Genocide Convention, which states “Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.” It is also worth noting that in its 29-page court order, the UN judges did indicate that they see a credible risk to Palestinians under the Genocide Convention, saying that “there is a real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused to the rights claimed before the Court gives its final decision.” “South Africa does not need to prove that Israel is committing genocide,” Juliette McIntyre, an international law expert told AFP ahead of the interim ruling, adding that they “simply need to establish that there is a plausible risk of genocide occurring.” Experts ahead of the vote also said if the court decides there is a risk of genocide in Gaza, it could still have a ripple effect, particularly on the nations which support Israel politically or militarily. Israel’s accusations against UNRWA staff In his Sunday statement, the UN chief said 12 UNRWA employees were cited in the accusations by Israel out of which one is dead, nine have been fired and the “identity of the two others is being clarified.” Meanwhile, news agency Reuters, on Monday (Jan 29) reported that Israeli intelligence released a six-page dossier which alleges that some 190 UNRWA employees, including teachers, have doubled as Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants. One of the 11 accused is said to be a school counsellor who allegedly provided unspecified assistance to his son in the abduction of a woman during the Hamas infiltration. Another UNRWA social worker, according to Reuters, has been accused of coordinating the movements of pick-up trucks used by the raiders and of weapons supplies. Another Palestinian working for the UN agency is accused of participating in an attack on Reim, the site both of an army base and the Supernova music festival where, according to Israeli officials, more than 360 revellers were killed. The Reuters report, citing an anonymous source, also said that the report had been compiled by Israeli intelligence and was shared with the US, which was among the first countries to suspend funding for UNRWA, on Friday (Jan 26). UNRWA’s role in Gaza On Monday (Jan 29), the UN agency said that it would not be able to continue operations in Gaza and surrounding regions after the end of February without any new funding. Notably, the UNRWA plays a significant role in the Palestinian enclave and helps provide education, health and aid services to two-thirds of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. Therefore, without any further aid, the future of millions of Palestinians hangs in balance amid the ongoing war and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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UNRWA Crisis: New Zealand suspends funding to embattled UN agency in Gaza

After the US, Australia, UK, Japan & Germany; New Zealand joins the list of countries that have suspended their funding to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees.The UN agency, considered a lifeline for two million people in the besieged enclave has suffered funding cuts after several of its staff were accused of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

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Several key donor countries to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said Saturday they would halt their funding, following accusations by Israel that several UNRWA staff were involved in Hamas's October 7 attack.

Countries halt funding to UN agency in Gaza

Nations halt funding to UN agency in Gaza

Several key donor countries to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees have halted their funding, following accusations by Israel that several UNRWA staff were involved in Hamas's October 7 attack.

Israel-Hamas war: After US, six countries halt funding UN agency in Gaza

Japan has declared its decision to align with a cohort of nations and the suspension of financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).&nbsp;

This strategic move follows Israeli accusations that certain UNRWA personnel played a role in the October 7 attack orchestrated by Hamas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-focus-on-paris-talks-to-broker-two-month-ceasefire-in-gaza-684627">Israel-Hamas war: Focus on Paris talks to broker two-month ceasefire in Gaza</a>

<h2>Japan suspends aid</h2>

On Sunday, Japan said it was "extremely concerned about the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff members in the terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year."

In a statement, the nation's foreign ministry said: "In response, Japan has decided to suspend additional funding to UNRWA for the time being while UNRWA conducts an investigation into the matter and considers measures to address the allegations."

Watch |&nbsp;UNRWA fires staffers suspected of role in October 7 attack on Israel

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"At the same time, Japan will continue to make persistent and active diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to calm down the situation as soon as possible by providing support to other international organizations," added the nation.

Leading contributors such as the United States and Germany have already halted their financial contributions to UNRWA, citing the gravity of the allegations.&nbsp;

<h2>UNRWA fires staff</h2>

The UNRWA, which, as per the news agency AFP, is a pivotal player in Gaza's humanitarian landscape, swiftly responded to Israel's unspecified charges by terminating multiple staff members and committing to an exhaustive investigation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-agency-for-palestinians-slams-shocking-suspension-of-funds-by-several-western-countries-684412">UN agency for Palestinians slams ‘shocking’ suspension of funds by several Western countries</a>

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, as per the report, has vowed to hold "accountable, including through criminal prosecution,"&nbsp;any employee found to have been involved in "acts of terror".&nbsp;

UN chief António Guterres has also promised an urgent independent review of UNRWA. He has also pleaded for donor states to "guarantee the continuity" of the agency for the sake of "the desperate populations" it serves.

Israel, however, has vowed to halt UNRWA's operations in Gaza in the aftermath of the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan has declared its decision to align with a cohort of nations and the suspension of financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Japan has declared its decision to align with a cohort of nations and the suspension of financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This strategic move follows Israeli accusations that certain UNRWA personnel played a role in the October 7 attack orchestrated by Hamas. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Focus on Paris talks to broker two-month ceasefire in Gaza Japan suspends aid On Sunday, Japan said it was "extremely concerned about the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff members in the terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year." In a statement, the nation's foreign ministry said: "In response, Japan has decided to suspend additional funding to UNRWA for the time being while UNRWA conducts an investigation into the matter and considers measures to address the allegations." Watch | UNRWA fires staffers suspected of role in October 7 attack on Israel × "At the same time, Japan will continue to make persistent and active diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to calm down the situation as soon as possible by providing support to other international organizations," added the nation. Leading contributors such as the United States and Germany have already halted their financial contributions to UNRWA, citing the gravity of the allegations. UNRWA fires staff The UNRWA, which, as per the news agency AFP, is a pivotal player in Gaza's humanitarian landscape, swiftly responded to Israel's unspecified charges by terminating multiple staff members and committing to an exhaustive investigation. Also read | UN agency for Palestinians slams ‘shocking’ suspension of funds by several Western countries Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, as per the report, has vowed to hold "accountable, including through criminal prosecution," any employee found to have been involved in "acts of terror". UN chief António Guterres has also promised an urgent independent review of UNRWA. He has also pleaded for donor states to "guarantee the continuity" of the agency for the sake of "the desperate populations" it serves. Israel, however, has vowed to halt UNRWA's operations in Gaza in the aftermath of the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan suspends aid to UN agency in Gaza over staff involvement in Oct 7 terror attack on Israel

Top officials from the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Egypt, Qatar, and Israel convened in Paris on Sunday (Jan 28) in a concerted effort to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, news agency&nbsp;AFP reported citing sources close to the negotiations.

French authorities actively engaged with representatives in the talks have been aiming to facilitate a cessation of hostilities between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-breaks-down-describing-hellish-gaza-conditions-684125">WHO chief breaks down describing 'hellish' Gaza conditions</a>

Last week, a security source cited by the AFP disclosed that William Burns, the head of the CIA, was scheduled to meet counterparts from Israel and Egypt, along with Qatar's prime minister.

The development aligned with a previous report in The Washington Post indicating President Joe Biden's deployment of Burns to negotiate the release of remaining Hamas-held Israeli hostages in exchange for a ceasefire.

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | UN role in Gaza under spotlight

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The New York Times reported on Saturday (Jan 27) that an emerging draft agreement, focusing on a two-month suspension of Israel's military operations in Gaza, would be deliberated upon during the Paris talks on Sunday.

US President Biden, involved in the diplomatic efforts, had discussions with Qatar's emir on Friday regarding the hostage situation. The White House clarified that while talks were ongoing, "imminent developments" were not expected.

Qatar played a pivotal role in the negotiations, having previously brokered a hostage release deal in November.&nbsp;

Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The militants also seized around 250 hostages, with Israel reporting that about 132 remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 deceased captives.

The ensuing Israeli military offensive, in response to the attacks, has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with at least 26,422 killed in Gaza, as per the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.&nbsp; 
 
The negotiations in Paris signify a critical step towards a potential ceasefire and resolution of the ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

Top officials from the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Egypt, Qatar, and Israel convened in Paris on Sunday (Jan 28) in a concerted effort to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, news agency AFP reported citing sources close to the negotiations.

Top officials from the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Egypt, Qatar, and Israel convened in Paris on Sunday (Jan 28) in a concerted effort to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, news agency AFP reported citing sources close to the negotiations. French authorities actively engaged with representatives in the talks have been aiming to facilitate a cessation of hostilities between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Also read | WHO chief breaks down describing 'hellish' Gaza conditions Last week, a security source cited by the AFP disclosed that William Burns, the head of the CIA, was scheduled to meet counterparts from Israel and Egypt, along with Qatar's prime minister. The development aligned with a previous report in The Washington Post indicating President Joe Biden's deployment of Burns to negotiate the release of remaining Hamas-held Israeli hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war | UN role in Gaza under spotlight × The New York Times reported on Saturday (Jan 27) that an emerging draft agreement, focusing on a two-month suspension of Israel's military operations in Gaza, would be deliberated upon during the Paris talks on Sunday. US President Biden, involved in the diplomatic efforts, had discussions with Qatar's emir on Friday regarding the hostage situation. The White House clarified that while talks were ongoing, "imminent developments" were not expected. Qatar played a pivotal role in the negotiations, having previously brokered a hostage release deal in November. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The militants also seized around 250 hostages, with Israel reporting that about 132 remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 deceased captives. The ensuing Israeli military offensive, in response to the attacks, has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with at least 26,422 killed in Gaza, as per the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The negotiations in Paris signify a critical step towards a potential ceasefire and resolution of the ongoing conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Focus on Paris talks to broker two-month ceasefire in Gaza

Israel-Hamas war: Even before conflict, UNRWA was struggling to secure funding

The United States, Canada, Italy and Australia have stopped funding for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians. To know more watch this interview with Professor of International Relations, Scott Lucas, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin. The development comes after 12 UNRWA employees were accused of being involved in the 7th of October attack in Israel. Watch to know more!

Gaza crisis: UNRWA staff involved in Oct 7th Hamas attack? | UN agency probes staff involvement

US negotiators have drafted a tentative agreement bringing together Israeli and Hamas demands that would see the rest of the hostages released and a pause in fighting in Gaza for up to two months as per reports.

Israel-Hamas war: Washington's new Gaza ceasefire draft deal to be deliberated in Paris today

The United States, Canada, Italy and Australia have stopped funding for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians. This comes after 12 UNRWA employees have been accused of being involved in the 7th of October attack in Israel. To know more watch this interview with Professor of International Relations, Scott Lucas, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin.

Israel-Hamas war | UN role in Gaza under spotlight

The United States, Canada, Italy and Australia have stopped funding for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians. This comes after 12 UNRWA employees have been accused of being involved in the 7th of October attack in Israel.

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