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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.

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What initially began as the conflict between Israel and hamas militants is now rapidly spiraled into a regional security crisis casting a shadow of uncertainty and instability over West Asia.

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Gaza’s Health Ministry says 174 Palestinians were killed and 310 wounded in the enclave in 24 hours. Watch the video to know more.

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After the setback at the International Court of Justice where Israel faces serious charges of genocide, Israelis are up in arms calling for the sacking of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In the latest scuffles have begun to break out between Israeli police and protesters.

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US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Chief William Burns as well as top Egyptian, Qatari and Israeli officials met in Paris today to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza. French authorities were also in touch with the four countries with the aim of negotiating a halt to hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

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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

<p>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;</p>

<p>This strategic move follows Israeli accusations that certain UNRWA personnel played a role in the October 7 attack orchestrated by Hamas.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Japan suspends aid</strong></h2>

<p>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."</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;UNRWA fires staffers suspected of role in October 7 attack on Israel</strong></p>

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<p>"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.</p>

<p>Leading contributors such as the United States and Germany have already halted their financial contributions to UNRWA, citing the gravity of the allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UNRWA fires staff</strong></h2>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Israel, however, has vowed to halt UNRWA's operations in Gaza in the aftermath of the conflict.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

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

What initially began as the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants is now rapidly spiraled into a regional security crisis casting a shadow of uncertainty and instability over West Asia. Three US service members have been killed and at multiple have wounded in a drone attack in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border.

US bases attacked in Jordan: Joe Biden calls for retaliation, says 'US shall respond to this attack'

<p>The United Nations agency for Palestinian&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;on Saturday (Jan 27) slammed what it called “shocking” suspensions of funding by several countries after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas. Meanwhile, the UN chief, on Sunday (Jan 28)&nbsp;urged the donor states to "guarantee the continuity" of funds to UNRWA.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Shocking suspension’</strong></h2>

<p>“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 UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) chief Philippe Lazzarini, in a statement,&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment,” the UNRWA chief said on X and added&nbsp;“This stains all of us.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UNRWA chief 'shocked' after countries pause funding</strong></p>

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<p>On Friday (Jan 26), UNRWA said that it had terminated several employees following information about their alleged involvement provided by Israeli authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UN chief Antonio Guterres has ordered an “urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA,” said his spokesman Stephane Dujarric.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nine countries suspend aid for UNRWA</strong></h2>

<p>As of Saturday, six European countries, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland, joined the United States, Australia and Canada in pausing the funding to the UN aid agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Berlin, on Saturday (Jan 27), became the latest European country to suspend funding saying so long as the accusation had not been cleared up, “Germany, in agreement with other donor countries” would for the moment withhold approval for further resources, said the foreign ministry in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said UNRWA should be replaced once fighting in the enclave dies down after accusing it of ties with the Islamist militants in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In Gaza’s rebuilding, @UNRWA must be replaced with agencies dedicated to genuine peace and development,” said Katz.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unrwa-fires-staff-members-linked-to-alleged-oct-7-attack-684100">UN agency fires staff members linked to alleged Oct 7 attack on Israel by Hamas</a></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>“Any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” the UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini had said when the allegations were first levelled against the agency’s staff.</p>

<p>However, he did not disclose the number of employees allegedly involved in the attacks, nor the nature of their supposed involvement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Palestinian officials, Hamas condemn&nbsp;decision</strong></h2>

<p>Several top Palestinian officials and Hamas have criticised the decision by some Western countries to suspend funding to the UNRWA warning of a “great” risk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Palestinian foreign ministry criticised what it described as an Israeli campaign against UNRWA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-warns-will-end-un-agencys-operations-in-gaza-nations-halt-aid-amid-oct-7-allegations-684304">Israel warns will end UN agency’s operations in Gaza, nations halt aid over Oct 7 allegations</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh took to X and said that the nine countries’ decision “entails great political and humanitarian relief risks”.</p>

<p>“At this particular time and in light of the continuing aggression against the Palestinian people, we need the maximum support for this international organization and not stopping support and assistance to it,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Palestinian militant group, Hamas, on Saturday, slammed Israeli “threats” against the UN agency.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UN chief urges&nbsp;for 'continuity' of funds</strong></h2>

<p>"While I understand their concerns -- I was myself horrified by these accusations -- I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA's operations," Guterres said in a statement, on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences." However,&nbsp;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."&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the UN chief,&nbsp;12 UNRWA employees were cited in the accusations by Israel out of which one is dead, nine&nbsp;have been fired and the "identity of the two others is being clarified,"&nbsp;Guterres confirmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>


The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees on Saturday (Jan 27) slammed what it called “shocking” suspensions of funding by several countries after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas.

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees on Saturday (Jan 27) slammed what it called “shocking” suspensions of funding by several countries after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas. Meanwhile, the UN chief, on Sunday (Jan 28) urged the donor states to "guarantee the continuity" of funds to UNRWA. ‘Shocking suspension’ “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 UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) chief Philippe 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.” WATCH | UNRWA chief 'shocked' after countries pause funding On Friday (Jan 26), UNRWA said that it had terminated several employees following information about their alleged involvement provided by Israeli authorities. UN chief Antonio Guterres has ordered an “urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA,” said his spokesman Stephane Dujarric. 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. Nine countries suspend aid for UNRWA As of Saturday, six European countries, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland, joined the United States, Australia and Canada in pausing the funding to the UN aid agency. Berlin, on Saturday (Jan 27), became the latest European country to suspend funding saying so long as the accusation had not been cleared up, “Germany, in agreement with other donor countries” would for the moment withhold approval for further resources, said the foreign ministry in a statement. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said UNRWA should be replaced once fighting in the enclave dies down after accusing it of ties with the Islamist militants in Gaza. “In Gaza’s rebuilding, @UNRWA must be replaced with agencies dedicated to genuine peace and development,” said Katz. ALSO READ | UN agency fires staff members linked to alleged Oct 7 attack on Israel by Hamas 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. “Any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” the UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini had said when the allegations were first levelled against the agency’s staff. However, he did not disclose the number of employees allegedly involved in the attacks, nor the nature of their supposed involvement. Palestinian officials, Hamas condemn decision Several top Palestinian officials and Hamas have criticised the decision by some Western countries to suspend funding to the UNRWA warning of a “great” risk. The Palestinian foreign ministry criticised what it described as an Israeli campaign against UNRWA. ALSO READ | Israel warns will end UN agency’s operations in Gaza, nations halt aid over Oct 7 allegations Meanwhile, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh took to X and said that the nine countries’ decision “entails great political and humanitarian relief risks”. “At this particular time and in light of the continuing aggression against the Palestinian people, we need the maximum support for this international organization and not stopping support and assistance to it,” he added. The Palestinian militant group, Hamas, on Saturday, slammed Israeli “threats” against the UN agency. UN chief urges for 'continuity' of funds "While I understand their concerns -- I was myself horrified by these accusations -- I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA's operations," Guterres said in a statement, on Sunday. 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." According to the UN chief, 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," Guterres confirmed. (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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