UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has taken steps to address the scandal surrounding the UN&nbsp;Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), responsible for Palestinian refugees, by appointing former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna to lead an independent review. UNRWA is facing a funding crisis after admitting that some of its staff members were involved in the Hamas terror attack on Israel in October 7 last year.

The agency faces the potential loss of over $400 million in donor contributions. Colonna, along with three research organisations, will assess UNRWA's neutrality and respond to serious breach allegations, as reported by Voice of America (VOA).

The review group is set to commence work on February 14, with a preliminary report due in late March and a final public report expected by the end of April. Colonna will collaborate with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden, the Christian Michelsen Institute in Norway, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights.

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Congratulations to the <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> on forming the investigative committee. We will submit all evidence highlighting <a href="https://twitter.com/UNRWA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNRWA</a>'s ties to terrorism and its harmful effects on regional stability. It is imperative that this committee brings the truth to light, necessitating the immediate…
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1754547350758961622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Background of UNRWA's scrutiny</h2>

The controversy escalated when Israel provided information to the UN, alleging the involvement of a dozen UNRWA staffers in the October 7 terror attacks inside Israel.

The UN&nbsp;terminated nine of them, confirmed one's death, and is clarifying the identities of two others. Israel has long criticised UNRWA, accusing it of ties to terrorism and promoting an anti-Israel curriculum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-minister-ahmed-awad-bin-mubarak-named-yemens-new-prime-minister-687355">Also read |&nbsp;Foreign minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak named Yemen's new prime minister</a>

The review group's efforts are distinct from the internal UN&nbsp;investigation into the October 7 allegations, occurring simultaneously.

UNRWA has warned of potential shutdown of relief operations by the end of February without swift funding restoration. Sixteen countries, including major donor the United States, have suspended contributions pending investigation outcomes.

The review group's mandate includes examining policy and procedural failures within UNRWA, offering recommendations for improvements or new ones to align the agency with its mission.

Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini had previously announced a review of UNRWA's operations in mid-January, emphasising the goal of making the organisation more effective and purposeful.

Also watch |&nbsp;Ukraine’s president confirms plans for military shake-up

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As UNRWA grapples with the potential funding crisis, about 3,000 of its 13,000 staff in Gaza continue daily operations to assist&nbsp;two million Palestinians.

The UN&nbsp;aims to keep communication open with donors, hoping they recognise the swift actions taken to address the issues head-on.

The situation remains complex, with parallel investigations, potential funding challenges, and a comprehensive review aimed at reshaping UNRWA's future.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has taken steps to address the scandal surrounding the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), responsible for Palestinian refugees, by appointing former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna to lead an independent review.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has taken steps to address the scandal surrounding the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), responsible for Palestinian refugees, by appointing former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna to lead an independent review. UNRWA is facing a funding crisis after admitting that some of its staff members were involved in the Hamas terror attack on Israel in October 7 last year. The agency faces the potential loss of over $400 million in donor contributions. Colonna, along with three research organisations, will assess UNRWA's neutrality and respond to serious breach allegations, as reported by Voice of America (VOA). The review group is set to commence work on February 14, with a preliminary report due in late March and a final public report expected by the end of April. Colonna will collaborate with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden, the Christian Michelsen Institute in Norway, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights. Congratulations to the @UN on forming the investigative committee. We will submit all evidence highlighting @UNRWA's ties to terrorism and its harmful effects on regional stability. It is imperative that this committee brings the truth to light, necessitating the immediate… — ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) February 5, 2024 × Background of UNRWA's scrutiny The controversy escalated when Israel provided information to the UN, alleging the involvement of a dozen UNRWA staffers in the October 7 terror attacks inside Israel. The UN terminated nine of them, confirmed one's death, and is clarifying the identities of two others. Israel has long criticised UNRWA, accusing it of ties to terrorism and promoting an anti-Israel curriculum. Also read | Foreign minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak named Yemen's new prime minister The review group's efforts are distinct from the internal UN investigation into the October 7 allegations, occurring simultaneously. UNRWA has warned of potential shutdown of relief operations by the end of February without swift funding restoration. Sixteen countries, including major donor the United States, have suspended contributions pending investigation outcomes. The review group's mandate includes examining policy and procedural failures within UNRWA, offering recommendations for improvements or new ones to align the agency with its mission. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini had previously announced a review of UNRWA's operations in mid-January, emphasising the goal of making the organisation more effective and purposeful. Also watch | Ukraine’s president confirms plans for military shake-up As UNRWA grapples with the potential funding crisis, about 3,000 of its 13,000 staff in Gaza continue daily operations to assist two million Palestinians. The UN aims to keep communication open with donors, hoping they recognise the swift actions taken to address the issues head-on. The situation remains complex, with parallel investigations, potential funding challenges, and a comprehensive review aimed at reshaping UNRWA's future. (With inputs from agencies)

UN chief says independent panel to evaluate UNRWA agency in Gaza amid Hamas link row

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday (Feb 4) said his government was probing the claims that staff of the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) was involved in the October 7 terror attacks carried out by Hamas on Israeli territory.&nbsp;

Australia is one of several countries to have halted funding of UNRWA, a critical source of support for millions in Gaza.

"Well, we're examining it, along with other like-minded countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. And we want that to be resolved," said Albanese.&nbsp;

"The issue here is one that’s of deep concern, that this occurred, that there were some involvement. And those allegations need to be fully examined to ensure that every single dollar of aid is going to just that," he added.&nbsp;

The Australian PM added that he did not want people "literally dying" in Gaza but his government needed to make sure the money was being spent for the purpose it was sent.

"Well, what we're doing is going through those processes, along with our like-minded allies. But all of us want to see the support for kids in Gaza can't be in a situation where people are literally starving and the only organisation that can provide that support there is UNRWA,"&nbsp;said Albanese.&nbsp;

Speaking further he said, "It has been funded by Australia for a long period of time and funded by our like-minded allies as well. But we want to make sure that the organisation has every single dollar going to the purpose for which it is given."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-crisis-unrwa-staff-involved-in-oct-7th-hamas-attack-un-agency-probes-staff-involvement-684618">Watch |&nbsp;Gaza crisis: UNRWA staff involved in Oct 7th Hamas attack? | UN agency probes staff involvement</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>UNRWA in soup&nbsp;</h2>

Over a dozen countries, including the United States, Britain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and Australia have paused funding to the aid agency after allegations surfaced that several of its employees had ties with 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;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-holds-back-300000-funding-to-un-agency-amid-allegations-of-ties-with-hamas-685310">Also read | US holds back $300,000 funding to UN agency amid allegations of ties with Hamas</a>

The European Union,&nbsp;one of UNRWA's top donors, last month 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".

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday (Feb 4) said his government was probing the claims that staff of the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) was involved in the October 7 terror attacks carried out by Hamas on Israeli territory.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday (Feb 4) said his government was probing the claims that staff of the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) was involved in the October 7 terror attacks carried out by Hamas on Israeli territory. Australia is one of several countries to have halted funding of UNRWA, a critical source of support for millions in Gaza. "Well, we're examining it, along with other like-minded countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. And we want that to be resolved," said Albanese. "The issue here is one that’s of deep concern, that this occurred, that there were some involvement. And those allegations need to be fully examined to ensure that every single dollar of aid is going to just that," he added. The Australian PM added that he did not want people "literally dying" in Gaza but his government needed to make sure the money was being spent for the purpose it was sent. "Well, what we're doing is going through those processes, along with our like-minded allies. But all of us want to see the support for kids in Gaza can't be in a situation where people are literally starving and the only organisation that can provide that support there is UNRWA," said Albanese. Speaking further he said, "It has been funded by Australia for a long period of time and funded by our like-minded allies as well. But we want to make sure that the organisation has every single dollar going to the purpose for which it is given." Watch | Gaza crisis: UNRWA staff involved in Oct 7th Hamas attack? | UN agency probes staff involvement o Embed Code: × UNRWA in soup Over a dozen countries, including the United States, Britain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and Australia have paused funding to the aid agency after allegations surfaced that several of its employees had ties with 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. Also read | US holds back $300,000 funding to UN agency amid allegations of ties with Hamas The European Union, one of UNRWA's top donors, last month 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". (With inputs from agencies)

Australia PM Albanese says government probing claims UN agency aided Hamas

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, commonly known as the UNRWA, said on Thursday (Feb 1) that it would most likely be forced to shut down its operations by the end of Feb in the war-torn Gaza Strip and the rest of the Middle East if international funding did not resume.

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, commonly known as the UNRWA, said on Thursday (Feb 1) that it would most likely be forced to shut down its operations by the end of Feb in the war-torn Gaza Strip and the rest of the Middle East if international funding did not resume. "The agency remains the largest aid organization in one of the most severe and complex humanitarian crises in the world," UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement. "If the funding remains suspended, we will most likely be forced to shut down our operations by the end of February not only in Gaza but also across the region," Lazzarini added. Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis Several countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Germany, and Japan suspended funding to UNRWA, which has been at the heart of humanitarian efforts in Gaza after the Israel-Hamas war started in Oct last year. The suspension came in the wake of Israel's allegations that some UNRWA staff were involved in Hamas' Oct 7 attack. 'Urge nations to reconsider their decision' A report by the news agency AFP on Thursday said Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held talks with Philippe Lazzarini and "emphasised the immediate need for the international community to support UNRWA, which plays an indispensable role for Palestinian refugees, serving as a lifeline for over two million Palestinians facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza." A number of donor countries suspended US$ 440 million worth of funding to @UNRWA Meanwhile the war in #Gaza is going unabated. At the time the International Court of Justice calls for more humanitarian assistance, it is the time to reinforce not to weaken #UNRWA We are the… — Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) February 1, 2024 × A foreign ministry statement said that both Safadi and Lazzarini urged countries that have suspended aid to UNRWA to "reconsider their decision." Also read | Explained: Countries pausing funding for UNRWA might be violating genocide convention. Here’s how "Any reduction in financial support provided to the agency will exacerbate the suffering of the people of Gaza, who are already on the brink of mass starvation," the statement added. UNRWA totally infiltrated with Hamas: Netanyahu The UNRWA's SOS comes a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a meeting of UN ambassadors in Jerusalem said that the UNRWA had been "totally infiltrated" by Hamas, and added that "we need to get other UN agencies and other aid agencies replacing UNRWA." Also watch | Israeli PM Netanyahu says UNRWA’s mission must be terminated × "I say this with great regret because we hoped that there would be an objective and constructive body to offer aid. We need such a body today in Gaza, but UNRWA is not that body," the Israeli PM further said during the meeting. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: UNRWA says it can shut down by Feb end if funding doesn't resume

The US says it needs to see "fundamental changes" before it resumes funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a US territory in the Pacific, is the only place in the United States where Chinese nationals can enter without a visa for up to 14 days.

Israel-Hamas war | US suspends funding to UNRWA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has been “totally infiltrated” by the Hamas terror group, after several countries suspended funding after Israeli accused UNRWA staffers of having participated in the October 7 massacre.

Israeli PM Netanyahu says UNRWA is 'totally infiltered by Hamas'

Netanyahu has said that the United Nations Agency for Palestinian refugees has been infiltrated by Hamas. This comes after several Nations have suspended funding.

PM Netanyahu says UNRWA is totally infiltrated by Hamas

Just hours after militants of Hamas stormed across the border between &nbsp;Israel and Gaza and massacred around 1,200 Israelis, Israeli warplanes began a bombing campaign that laid waste to entire cities and prompted charges of collective punishment.&nbsp;

That was on October 7, 2023. Sixteen weeks later, the Israeli government released an intelligence dossier that said 13 employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the largest humanitarian relief body in Gaza, had been involved in the attack. Two helped in kidnapping some of the 250 people abducted that day.

UNRWA chief Phillippe Lazzarini said that those accused of complicity had been fired while the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight launched an investigation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said anyone complicit in the October 7 massacre would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.

But even before the investigation was launched, a string of countries announced they were suspending millions of dollars in funding for the agency, which is the main provider of food and shelter for more than two million people in Gaza. Israel’s war against Hamas has driven Gaza into a humanitarian catastrophe. The cuts will make conditions even worse.

Among the first countries to announce the suspension of aid was the United States, UNRWA's biggest donor, followed by Britain, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia. In 2022, the US&nbsp;donated $344 million, followed by Germany with $202 million.

Also watch |&nbsp;UNRWA crisis: After US, Germany &amp; other European nations suspend funding | World News | WION

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The crisis triggered by the Israeli allegations comes at a desperate time for Gaza, where more than 26,000 people have been killed, mostly women and children, and many of the 1,9 million who have been displaced are on the edge of starvation, according to the World Food Program.

According to Lazzarino, more than two million Gazans are almost entirely dependent on aid provided by UNRWA and more than a million are sheltering in UN&nbsp;facilities.

The suspension of aid has dismayed aid agencies and – in an echo of the post-October 7 Israeli bombing campaign, prompted accusations of collective punishment. That was the phrase used by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-countries-pausing-funding-for-unrwa-might-be-violating-genocide-convention-heres-how-684886">Explained | Countries pausing funding for UNRWA might be violating genocide convention. Here’s how</a>

Sharp criticism also came from Norway, which did not join the cavalcade of aid suspenders.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said: “We should not collectively punish millions of people. We must distinguish between what individuals have done and what UNWRA stands for.” He urged donors to consider the consequences of funding cuts.&nbsp;

Jan Engeland, secretary of the general of the Norwegian Refugee Council condemned “an arbitrary and reckless defunding of a large lifeline on mere allegations from a party in the conflict.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has made no secret of his disdain for the UN in general and UNRWA in particular, said in a British television interview that UNRWA was infiltrated by Hamas. &nbsp;

Neither Netanyahu nor anyone in his cabinet has explained who would do the work of UNRWA if lack of funds forced it to cease operations.&nbsp;

But it is becoming increasingly obvious that there is no end in sight to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. When Hamas started the war with its October 7 massacre, Netanyahu said Israel’s aim was to finish Hamas “once and for all.”&nbsp;

But both in Israel and the United States, military experts now estimate that Israel had managed to eliminate only between 20 and 30 per cent of Hamas’s fighters and still had no complete picture of the vast tunnel system the militant group built since Israel withdrew Jewish settlements there in 2005

American and Israeli officials estimate that Hamas had about 30,000 fighters when the war began, plus thousands of police and armed sympathisers. That means Israel’s “once and for all” will take time while the people of Gaza will remain victims of collective punishment.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Just hours after militants of Hamas stormed across the border between Israel and Gaza and massacred around 1,200 Israelis, Israeli warplanes began a bombing campaign that laid waste to entire cities and prompted charges of collective punishment.

Just hours after militants of Hamas stormed across the border between Israel and Gaza and massacred around 1,200 Israelis, Israeli warplanes began a bombing campaign that laid waste to entire cities and prompted charges of collective punishment. That was on October 7, 2023. Sixteen weeks later, the Israeli government released an intelligence dossier that said 13 employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the largest humanitarian relief body in Gaza, had been involved in the attack. Two helped in kidnapping some of the 250 people abducted that day. UNRWA chief Phillippe Lazzarini said that those accused of complicity had been fired while the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight launched an investigation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said anyone complicit in the October 7 massacre would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution. But even before the investigation was launched, a string of countries announced they were suspending millions of dollars in funding for the agency, which is the main provider of food and shelter for more than two million people in Gaza. Israel’s war against Hamas has driven Gaza into a humanitarian catastrophe. The cuts will make conditions even worse. Among the first countries to announce the suspension of aid was the United States, UNRWA's biggest donor, followed by Britain, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia. In 2022, the US donated $344 million, followed by Germany with $202 million. Also watch | UNRWA crisis: After US, Germany & other European nations suspend funding | World News | WION × The crisis triggered by the Israeli allegations comes at a desperate time for Gaza, where more than 26,000 people have been killed, mostly women and children, and many of the 1,9 million who have been displaced are on the edge of starvation, according to the World Food Program. According to Lazzarino, more than two million Gazans are almost entirely dependent on aid provided by UNRWA and more than a million are sheltering in UN facilities. The suspension of aid has dismayed aid agencies and – in an echo of the post-October 7 Israeli bombing campaign, prompted accusations of collective punishment. That was the phrase used by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Also read | Explained | Countries pausing funding for UNRWA might be violating genocide convention. Here’s how Sharp criticism also came from Norway, which did not join the cavalcade of aid suspenders. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said: “We should not collectively punish millions of people. We must distinguish between what individuals have done and what UNWRA stands for.” He urged donors to consider the consequences of funding cuts. Jan Engeland, secretary of the general of the Norwegian Refugee Council condemned “an arbitrary and reckless defunding of a large lifeline on mere allegations from a party in the conflict.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has made no secret of his disdain for the UN in general and UNRWA in particular, said in a British television interview that UNRWA was infiltrated by Hamas. Neither Netanyahu nor anyone in his cabinet has explained who would do the work of UNRWA if lack of funds forced it to cease operations. But it is becoming increasingly obvious that there is no end in sight to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. When Hamas started the war with its October 7 massacre, Netanyahu said Israel’s aim was to finish Hamas “once and for all.” But both in Israel and the United States, military experts now estimate that Israel had managed to eliminate only between 20 and 30 per cent of Hamas’s fighters and still had no complete picture of the vast tunnel system the militant group built since Israel withdrew Jewish settlements there in 2005 American and Israeli officials estimate that Hamas had about 30,000 fighters when the war began, plus thousands of police and armed sympathisers. That means Israel’s “once and for all” will take time while the people of Gaza will remain victims of collective punishment. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Israel-Hamas war: In Gaza, collective punishment is becoming routine

United Nations Secretary Secretary-General Antonio Guterres vows to hold to account "any UN employee involved in acts of terror" after allegations that some Palestinian refugee agency staffers were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack.

UN Chief vows action as several key donor nations pause funding

The EU on Monday demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA and said it is reviewing funding, following Israeli allegations that some staff participated in Hamas's October 7 attack.

The audit must be led by European Commission-appointed experts and conducted alongside a UN investigation into the claims, commission spokesman Eric Mamer told journalists.

"What is absolutely clear is that these actions are urgent. They are important and they should be launched without any delay," Mamer said.

The European Union is one of UNRWA's top donors.

A commission statement said the EU executive "will determine upcoming funding decisions for UNRWA 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 said that no additional funding to UNRWA "is foreseen until the end of February".

But it added that humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and in the West Bank "will continue unabated through partner organisations".

UNRWA has fired several staff members over Israel's accusations, which have prompted numerous countries, including the United States, France, Britain, Germany and Japan, to announce they were suspending further funding to the UN agency.

The European Commission said it "will review the matter in light of the outcome of the investigation announced by the UN and the actions it will take".

The EU on Monday demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA and said it is reviewing funding, following Israeli allegations that some staff participated in Hamas's October 7 attack.

The EU on Monday demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA and said it is reviewing funding, following Israeli allegations that some staff participated in Hamas's October 7 attack. The audit must be led by European Commission-appointed experts and conducted alongside a UN investigation into the claims, commission spokesman Eric Mamer told journalists. "What is absolutely clear is that these actions are urgent. They are important and they should be launched without any delay," Mamer said. The European Union is one of UNRWA's top donors. A commission statement said the EU executive "will determine upcoming funding decisions for UNRWA 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 said that no additional funding to UNRWA "is foreseen until the end of February". But it added that humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and in the West Bank "will continue unabated through partner organisations". UNRWA has fired several staff members over Israel's accusations, which have prompted numerous countries, including the United States, France, Britain, Germany and Japan, to announce they were suspending further funding to the UN agency. The European Commission said it "will review the matter in light of the outcome of the investigation announced by the UN and the actions it will take".

EU demands ‘urgent’ audit of UN Palestinian refugee agency over militant links

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.

Explained | Countries pausing funding for UNRWA might be violating genocide convention. Here’s how

UNRWA Crisis: Funding paused until allegations investigated, says New Zealand PM

UNRWA Crisis: New Zealand suspends funding to embattled 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. UNRWA has fired staffers accused of a role in the Israel attack and has launched thorough probe.

UNRWA fires staffers suspected of role in October 7 attack on Israel

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

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

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.

<h2>‘Shocking suspension’</h2>

“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;

“Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment,” the UNRWA chief said on X and added&nbsp;“This stains all of us.”

WATCH |&nbsp;UNRWA chief 'shocked' after countries pause funding

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On Friday (Jan 26), UNRWA said that it had terminated several employees following information about their alleged involvement provided by Israeli authorities.&nbsp;

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.&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;&nbsp;

<h2>Nine countries suspend aid for UNRWA</h2>

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;

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;

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;

“In Gaza’s rebuilding, @UNRWA must be replaced with agencies dedicated to genuine peace and development,” said Katz.&nbsp;

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>

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;

“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.&nbsp;

<h2>Palestinian officials, Hamas condemn&nbsp;decision</h2>

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;

The Palestinian foreign ministry criticised what it described as an Israeli campaign against UNRWA.&nbsp;

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>

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.&nbsp;

The Palestinian militant group, Hamas, on Saturday, slammed Israeli “threats” against the UN agency.&nbsp;

<h2>UN chief urges&nbsp;for 'continuity' of funds</h2>

"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;

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;

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;

(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.

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.

UN agency for Palestinians slams ‘shocking’ suspension of funds by several Western countries

Following Israel's warning of stopping the work of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) after war, the United Kingdom and Italy have 'paused aid for the agency. There are reports that Switzerland is mulling the same move. Germans marked Holocaust Remembrance Day. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said "Never again". Read this and more in our Top 10 World News.

<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 to end UNRWA operations in Gaza over Oct 7, nations halt aid</a>

Israel had alleged that several staff members of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza were involved in the October 7 attacks.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/27/408386-wion-banners-prisha-23.jpg?imwidth=256" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/holocaust-remembrance-day-germany-recalls-nazi-horror-scholz-warns-never-again-684338">Germany remembers Holocaust as Scholz warns 'never again</a>'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the country's citizens to save democracy and fight against antisemitism on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/27/408408-untitled-design-2024-01-27t210754798.png?imwidth=256" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-planning-another-xi-biden-call-684322">White House says planning another Xi-Biden call</a>

The two sides are pursuing "additional high-level diplomacy," the White House statement said, "including through a call between President Biden and President Xi."

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/27/408398-succession-2024-01-27t194115199.jpg?imwidth=640" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hits-houthi-linked-anti-ship-missile-after-british-oil-tanker-comes-under-attack-684246">US hits Houthi-linked anti-ship missile after British oil tanker comes under attack</a>

An anti-ship ballistic missile was launched by the Houthis which hit the United Kingdom's oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/27/408368-wion-banners-prisha-21.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-9-foreigners-in-iran-near-pakistan-iran-border-report-684312">Pakistan reacts strongly after gunmen kill 9 Pakistanis in Iran near border</a>

The border region saw a rare military action from both nations earlier this month. On January 18, Pakistan launched airstrikes on targets on the Iranian side of the border. The 'militant targets' as Pakistan put them, were attacked two days after Iranian military strikes on the Pakistani side of the border.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/25/381800-untitled-design-2023-09-25t111816820.png?imwidth=640" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-offensive-intensifies-in-gaza-despite-icj-ruling-684231">Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive intensifies in Gaza despite ICJ ruling</a>

According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (Jan 27), overnight strikes were reported on Khan Yunis, the current epicentre of Israel's assault on Gaza.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/27/408343-untitled-design-3.png?imwidth=256" />

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/message-of-preace-to-india-former-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-releases-party-manifesto-684253">Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif releases party manifesto that talks of ‘message of peace’ for India: Report</a>

The much-anticipated election manifesto of PML-N has been unveiled just weeks before general elections are due in Pakistan on February 8. Interestingly, Nawaz Sharif has said in his manifesto that if he voted back to power, he would send 'message of peace' to other countries, including India.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/29/396258-untitled-design-2023-11-29t193816706.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-sale-of-f-16s-to-turkey-ending-months-of-negotiations-684142">US approves sale of F-16s to Turkey, ending months of negotiations</a>

In a statement, the US State Department said that Turkey would get 40 new F-16s and upgrades to 79 of the jets in its existing fleet. 
&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/27/408287-2024-01-27t022334z2lynxmpek0q00lrtroptp4usa-jets-turkey-greece.JPG?imwidth=256" />

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-fails-to-strike-connectivity-goal-with-taliban-amid-security-threats-in-xinjiang-report-684222">China fails to strike connectivity goal with Taliban amid security threats in Xinjiang: Report</a>

Beijing is likely to approach the situation cautiously amid security threats posed by terrorists and separatists in its restive Xinjiang province.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/12/405362-succession-2024-01-12t180516158.jpg?imwidth=256" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/holocaust-remembrance-day-world-recalls-hitlers-tyranny-amid-israel-hamas-war-684263">Holocaust Remembrance Day: World recalls Hitler’s tyranny amid Israel-Hamas war</a>

Holocaust Remembrance Day: The recent October 7 Hamas attack, resulting in about 1,200 Jewish deaths, has drawn comparisons to the Holocaust.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/27/328482-download-18.jpg?imwidth=640" />

&nbsp;

Following Israel's warning of stopping the work of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) after war, the United Kingdom and Italy have 'paused aid for the agency.

Following Israel's warning of stopping the work of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) after war, the United Kingdom and Italy have 'paused aid for the agency. There are reports that Switzerland is mulling the same move. Germans marked Holocaust Remembrance Day. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said "Never again". Read this and more in our Top 10 World News. Israel warns to end UNRWA operations in Gaza over Oct 7, nations halt aid Israel had alleged that several staff members of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza were involved in the October 7 attacks. Germany remembers Holocaust as Scholz warns 'never again' German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the country's citizens to save democracy and fight against antisemitism on International Holocaust Remembrance Day White House says planning another Xi-Biden call The two sides are pursuing "additional high-level diplomacy," the White House statement said, "including through a call between President Biden and President Xi." US hits Houthi-linked anti-ship missile after British oil tanker comes under attack An anti-ship ballistic missile was launched by the Houthis which hit the United Kingdom's oil tanker in the Gulf of Aden. Pakistan reacts strongly after gunmen kill 9 Pakistanis in Iran near border The border region saw a rare military action from both nations earlier this month. On January 18, Pakistan launched airstrikes on targets on the Iranian side of the border. The 'militant targets' as Pakistan put them, were attacked two days after Iranian military strikes on the Pakistani side of the border. Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive intensifies in Gaza despite ICJ ruling According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (Jan 27), overnight strikes were reported on Khan Yunis, the current epicentre of Israel's assault on Gaza. Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif releases party manifesto that talks of ‘message of peace’ for India: Report The much-anticipated election manifesto of PML-N has been unveiled just weeks before general elections are due in Pakistan on February 8. Interestingly, Nawaz Sharif has said in his manifesto that if he voted back to power, he would send 'message of peace' to other countries, including India. US approves sale of F-16s to Turkey, ending months of negotiations In a statement, the US State Department said that Turkey would get 40 new F-16s and upgrades to 79 of the jets in its existing fleet. China fails to strike connectivity goal with Taliban amid security threats in Xinjiang: Report Beijing is likely to approach the situation cautiously amid security threats posed by terrorists and separatists in its restive Xinjiang province. Holocaust Remembrance Day: World recalls Hitler’s tyranny amid Israel-Hamas war Holocaust Remembrance Day: The recent October 7 Hamas attack, resulting in about 1,200 Jewish deaths, has drawn comparisons to the Holocaust.

Top 10 world news: Nations ‘pause’ aid to UNRWA, Germany marks Holocaust day, and more

Multiple United Nations agencies addressed the Security Council&nbsp;on Monday (Oct 30) as the 15-member body convened for yet another emergency after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-russia-us-proposals-for-un-action-on-israel-gaza-rejected-at-security-council-651348">four failed efforts</a> to reach a consensus on a Gaza resolution.&nbsp;

Philippe Lazzarini, chief of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) said, “I have said many times and I will say it again: no place is safe in Gaza.” UN agencies spoke about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Palestinian territory.&nbsp;

Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli officials.

Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and a ground operation in Gaza, killing more than 8,300 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

<h2>‘Unprecedented human tragedy’: UNRWA</h2>

The level of destruction across Gaza “is unprecedented, the human tragedy unfolding under our watch is unbearable,” Lazzarini told the Security Council. He also highlighted the deep impact of the crisis on his staff, 64 of whom have been killed since the beginning of the war, as per the UN agency. &nbsp;

“The handful of convoys being allowed through Rafah is nothing compared to the needs of over two million people trapped in Gaza,” said the UNRWA chief referring to the sole border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.

“The system in place to allow aid into Gaza is geared to fail unless there is political will to make the flow of supplies meaningful, matching the unprecedented humanitarian needs,” he added, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

He also accused Israel of carrying out “collective punishment”, noting that nearly 70 per cent of those reported killed are children and women. “This cannot be ‘collateral damage’,” said Lazzarini.&nbsp;

<h2>Over 420 children killed, injured in Gaza: UNICEF</h2>

Catherine Russell, chief of the UN’s children’s agency (UNICEF), said that the “true cost” of the latest escalation in the war will be measured in children’s lives. “More than 420 children are being killed or injured in Gaza each day,” she told the UNSC.&nbsp;

At least 221 schools and more than 177,000 housing units have been damaged or destroyed, according to the UNICEF chief.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 34 attacks against healthcare facilities, including 21 hospitals, said Russell. She also said that out of Gaza’s 35 hospitals, at least a dozen can no longer function.&nbsp;

“Children in both Israel and the State of Palestine are experiencing terrible trauma, the consequences of which could last a lifetime,” said the UNICEF chief.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Not enough essential supplies’ in Gaza: OCHA</h2>

Lisa Doughten, a representative from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that they are running out of “essential supplies” in Gaza and called for a pause in the fighting on “humanitarian grounds.”&nbsp;

“We simply don’t have enough essential supplies to provide… patients are laying on the floors and corridors and surgeons are operating without anesthesia,” said Doughten.&nbsp;

The events that have unfolded since October 7 have been “nothing short of devastating and heartbreaking.” She also called for an immediate and unconditional release of hostages taken by Hamas.&nbsp;

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-adopts-resolution-calling-for-humanitarian-truce-between-israel-and-hamas-heres-what-happened-652178">humanitarian pause</a> would allow a safe passage for hostages to be released as well as let UN staff replenish supplies and “provide much-needed respite to civilians who are living under unimaginably traumatic conditions".

<h2>No resolution by UNSC</h2>

Russia, China and the United States, as permanent members of the council, have used their vetoes for previous resolutions.&nbsp;

“We have the means to get something done and yet we repeatedly and shamefully fail,” said Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, whose country currently holds the 15-member body’s rotating chair.&nbsp;

(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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Multiple United Nations agencies addressed the Security Council on Monday (Oct 30) as the 15-member body convened for yet another emergency after four failed efforts to reach a consensus on a Gaza resolution.

Multiple United Nations agencies addressed the Security Council on Monday (Oct 30) as the 15-member body convened for yet another emergency after four failed efforts to reach a consensus on a Gaza resolution. Philippe Lazzarini, chief of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) said, “I have said many times and I will say it again: no place is safe in Gaza.” UN agencies spoke about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Palestinian territory. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people and taking more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and a ground operation in Gaza, killing more than 8,300 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. ‘Unprecedented human tragedy’: UNRWA The level of destruction across Gaza “is unprecedented, the human tragedy unfolding under our watch is unbearable,” Lazzarini told the Security Council. He also highlighted the deep impact of the crisis on his staff, 64 of whom have been killed since the beginning of the war, as per the UN agency. “The handful of convoys being allowed through Rafah is nothing compared to the needs of over two million people trapped in Gaza,” said the UNRWA chief referring to the sole border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. “The system in place to allow aid into Gaza is geared to fail unless there is political will to make the flow of supplies meaningful, matching the unprecedented humanitarian needs,” he added, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. He also accused Israel of carrying out “collective punishment”, noting that nearly 70 per cent of those reported killed are children and women. “This cannot be ‘collateral damage’,” said Lazzarini. Over 420 children killed, injured in Gaza: UNICEF Catherine Russell, chief of the UN’s children’s agency (UNICEF), said that the “true cost” of the latest escalation in the war will be measured in children’s lives. “More than 420 children are being killed or injured in Gaza each day,” she told the UNSC. At least 221 schools and more than 177,000 housing units have been damaged or destroyed, according to the UNICEF chief. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 34 attacks against healthcare facilities, including 21 hospitals, said Russell. She also said that out of Gaza’s 35 hospitals, at least a dozen can no longer function. “Children in both Israel and the State of Palestine are experiencing terrible trauma, the consequences of which could last a lifetime,” said the UNICEF chief. ‘Not enough essential supplies’ in Gaza: OCHA Lisa Doughten, a representative from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that they are running out of “essential supplies” in Gaza and called for a pause in the fighting on “humanitarian grounds.” “We simply don’t have enough essential supplies to provide… patients are laying on the floors and corridors and surgeons are operating without anesthesia,” said Doughten. The events that have unfolded since October 7 have been “nothing short of devastating and heartbreaking.” She also called for an immediate and unconditional release of hostages taken by Hamas. A humanitarian pause would allow a safe passage for hostages to be released as well as let UN staff replenish supplies and “provide much-needed respite to civilians who are living under unimaginably traumatic conditions". No resolution by UNSC Russia, China and the United States, as permanent members of the council, have used their vetoes for previous resolutions. “We have the means to get something done and yet we repeatedly and shamefully fail,” said Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, whose country currently holds the 15-member body’s rotating chair. (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. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘No place is safe’: UN agencies raise concern over situation in Gaza amid Israel-Hamas war

The United Nations warned on Sunday (Oct 29) that the civil order in war-torn Gaza was starting to collapse after thousands of people ransacked its food warehouses.

The United Nations warned on Sunday (Oct 29) that the civil order in war-torn Gaza was starting to collapse after thousands of people ransacked its food warehouses. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, also known as the UNRWA, said that wheat, flour, and other supplies had been looted from several of its warehouses. "Thousands of people broke into several UNRWA warehouses and distribution centres in the middle and southern areas of the Gaza Strip, taking wheat flour and other basic survival items like hygiene supplies," the UNRWA said. Click here to follow all updates on Israel-Hamas war "This is a worrying sign that civil order is starting to break down after three weeks of war and a tight siege," it added. The UN agency also said one of the warehouses in Deir al-Balah was storing supplies from convoys carrying humanitarian aid which started to cross into Gaza from Egypt on October 21. 'Aid coming to Gaza insufficient' After Hamas went on a rampage against Israel on October 7, the Israeli government imposed a total blockade on food, water, medicine, and fuel deliveries into Gaza. The first convoy of humanitarian aid entered Gaza only two weeks after the conflict began. Since then, the UNRWA said that 84 aid trucks crossed into Gaza but aid agencies say the numbers were far too low. Before the conflict, UN figures showed an average of 500 trucks a day entering Gaza. Also read: Qatar leads negotiations between Israel and Hamas amid ongoing war UNRWA's Gaza chief Thomas White said that humanitarian aid coming into the war-torn region was insufficient, meagre, and inconsistent. Humanitarian efforts to Gaza will expand: Israel On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told civilians in Gaza to move south of the war-torn region where aid efforts would expand. "Civilians in northern Gaza and Gaza City should temporarily move south of Wadi Gaza to a safer area where they can receive water, food, and medicine," IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said. "The humanitarian efforts to Gaza, led by Egypt and the United States, will be expanding," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: UN warns of civil order collapse in Gaza after food stores, warehouses looted

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, commonly known as the UNRWA, shared a post on X on Monday (Oct 16) accusing Hamas militants of stealing food and medical equipment from its premises in Gaza City. However, the UNRWA deleted the post. And now the agency has refuted the claim.

"With regards to reports on social media of looting of an UNRWA warehouse. UNRWA would like to confirm that no looting has taken place in any of its warehouses in the Gaza Strip," the UNRWA said in a latest post on X.

"The images circulating on social media were of a movement of basic medical supplies from the UNRWA warehouse to health partners," it added.

<h2>What were the deleted posts?</h2>

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared screenshots of the deleted posts on X.

"UNRWA received reports that yesterday a group of people with trucks purporting to be from the Ministry of Health of the de facto authorities in Gaza, removed fuel and medical equipment from the agency's compound in Gaza City," one of the deleted posts read.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-israel-hamas-war-biden-says-israeli-occupation-of-gaza-would-be-big-mistake-647308">Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war&nbsp;</a>

"Our staff were compelled to evacuate UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City on a few hours notice during the night of Friday October 13. Since then, UNRWA has had no access to the compound and no additional details about the removal of the assets," another such post read.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hamas stole fuel and medical equipment from <a href="https://twitter.com/UNRWA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNRWA</a> in Gaza. 
 
The amount of fuel stolen is enough to power Gaza’s water desalination facilities for six days. 
 
Hamas does not care about the people of Gaza. 
 
This remains true even if UNRWA deletes its tweets. <a href="https://t.co/iHF2P0CFjE">pic.twitter.com/iHF2P0CFjE</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1713927599028576530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The IDF said that Hamas does not care about Gaza's people, and the fact remained true even after the UNRWA deleted its posts.&nbsp;

Before IDF, Israel's Energy Minister Israel Katz shared the deleted posts on X and said, "Hamas is robbing the "humanitarian aid" to the Palestinian people. There's no reason to give them anything until we eliminate Nazi Hamas."

Monday has marked the 10th day of relentless Israeli air strikes on targets in the Palestinian enclave, in retaliation for an October 7 attack by Hamas. Around 1,400 Israelis have been killed so far. On the other hand, Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza said around 2,750 people have been killed.&nbsp;

Speaking to the news agency AFP, a top official of the World Health Organization said that the Gaza Strip has only 24 hours of water, electricity and fuel left.

"If aid is not allowed into the besieged territory, doctors will have to "prepare death certificates for their patients," WHO regional director for the eastern Mediterranean, Ahmed al-Mandhari said.

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The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, commonly known as the UNRWA, shared a post on X on Monday (Oct 16) accusing Hamas militants of stealing food and medical equipment from its premises in Gaza City.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, commonly known as the UNRWA, shared a post on X on Monday (Oct 16) accusing Hamas militants of stealing food and medical equipment from its premises in Gaza City. However, the UNRWA deleted the post. And now the agency has refuted the claim. "With regards to reports on social media of looting of an UNRWA warehouse. UNRWA would like to confirm that no looting has taken place in any of its warehouses in the Gaza Strip," the UNRWA said in a latest post on X. "The images circulating on social media were of a movement of basic medical supplies from the UNRWA warehouse to health partners," it added. What were the deleted posts? The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared screenshots of the deleted posts on X. "UNRWA received reports that yesterday a group of people with trucks purporting to be from the Ministry of Health of the de facto authorities in Gaza, removed fuel and medical equipment from the agency's compound in Gaza City," one of the deleted posts read. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war "Our staff were compelled to evacuate UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City on a few hours notice during the night of Friday October 13. Since then, UNRWA has had no access to the compound and no additional details about the removal of the assets," another such post read. Hamas stole fuel and medical equipment from @UNRWA in Gaza. The amount of fuel stolen is enough to power Gaza’s water desalination facilities for six days. Hamas does not care about the people of Gaza. This remains true even if UNRWA deletes its tweets. pic.twitter.com/iHF2P0CFjE — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 16, 2023 × The IDF said that Hamas does not care about Gaza's people, and the fact remained true even after the UNRWA deleted its posts. Before IDF, Israel's Energy Minister Israel Katz shared the deleted posts on X and said, "Hamas is robbing the "humanitarian aid" to the Palestinian people. There's no reason to give them anything until we eliminate Nazi Hamas." Monday has marked the 10th day of relentless Israeli air strikes on targets in the Palestinian enclave, in retaliation for an October 7 attack by Hamas. Around 1,400 Israelis have been killed so far. On the other hand, Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza said around 2,750 people have been killed. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a top official of the World Health Organization said that the Gaza Strip has only 24 hours of water, electricity and fuel left. "If aid is not allowed into the besieged territory, doctors will have to "prepare death certificates for their patients," WHO regional director for the eastern Mediterranean, Ahmed al-Mandhari said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN agency in Palestine blames Hamas of stealing Gaza aid, then deletes post on X and refutes claim

The decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict has flared up yet again with two sides launching air attacks at each other. As hostilities enter the fifth day, with no sign of abating, the death toll is on a constant rise. The United Nations Relief and Works agency Director Matthias Schmale tells you more about ongoing tensions.

UNRWA Director Matthias Schmale speaks to WION amid Israel-Palestine aerial attacks

India has donated $2 million to UNRWA&nbsp;for the welfare of Palestinian refugees. The UN body has called it ''commendable'' at the time of COVID crisis. UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and provides education, health care, relief and social services to Palestinian refugees.&nbsp;

With about, 3.1 million Palestine refugees dependent on health services provided by UNRWA, India's contribution comes at the time of global COVID pandemic.&nbsp;

The agency provides basic health services through a network of primary health care facilities and mobile clinics to the refugees.&nbsp;

India's contribution was handed over by India's representative to Palestine Sunil Kumar.&nbsp;

While handing over the cheque to Chief of Donor Relations of UNRWA Marc Lassouaoui, Kumar said, "On behalf of the Government of India, I would like to express my appreciation for the commendable work and endeavours carried out by UNRWA. We believe that our contribution will support the Agency's activities in providing the needed assistance to Palestinian refugees, and assist in achieving their full human development potential."

India has increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from the $1.25 million in 2016 to U$ 5 million in 2018 and 2019 and pledged another US$ 5 million for 2020.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Marc Lassouaoui, Chief of Donor Relations of UNRWA expressed the agency's "deep appreciation" to the Indian government for "advancing part of its contribution, which will help UNRWA address cash flow challenges" and called the "continued determination and commitment of India in support" of the Palestine refugees "commendable" in particular under the "current circumstances brought on us by Covid-19."

With this year's contribution to UNRWA, India open the way to become a member of the Agency's Advisory Commission. Advisory Commission was created by UN Resolution 302 (IV) on 8 December 1949 and is tasked with advising and assisting the Commissioner-General of UNRWA in carrying out the Agency’s mandate. Consisting of four members when it was first created, today the Advisory Commission (AdCom) is made up of 28 Members and 4 Observers.

India's contribution comes even as the agency faces a dire financial situation that can impact health and education for Palestinian refugees. Agency's schools educate 526,000 students every year, of which half are female.UNRWA has been the main provider of primary education to Palestine refugees for 60 years. In 2018, US had stopped aid to UNRWA.

India has donated $2 million to UNRWA for the welfare of Palestinian refugees. The UN body has called it ''commendable'' at the time of COVID crisis. UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and provides education, health care, relief and social services to Palestinian refugees.

India has donated $2 million to UNRWA for the welfare of Palestinian refugees. The UN body has called it ''commendable'' at the time of COVID crisis. UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and provides education, health care, relief and social services to Palestinian refugees. With about, 3.1 million Palestine refugees dependent on health services provided by UNRWA, India's contribution comes at the time of global COVID pandemic. The agency provides basic health services through a network of primary health care facilities and mobile clinics to the refugees. India's contribution was handed over by India's representative to Palestine Sunil Kumar. While handing over the cheque to Chief of Donor Relations of UNRWA Marc Lassouaoui, Kumar said, "On behalf of the Government of India, I would like to express my appreciation for the commendable work and endeavours carried out by UNRWA. We believe that our contribution will support the Agency's activities in providing the needed assistance to Palestinian refugees, and assist in achieving their full human development potential." India has increased its annual financial contribution to UNRWA from the $1.25 million in 2016 to U$ 5 million in 2018 and 2019 and pledged another US$ 5 million for 2020. Marc Lassouaoui, Chief of Donor Relations of UNRWA expressed the agency's "deep appreciation" to the Indian government for "advancing part of its contribution, which will help UNRWA address cash flow challenges" and called the "continued determination and commitment of India in support" of the Palestine refugees "commendable" in particular under the "current circumstances brought on us by Covid-19." With this year's contribution to UNRWA, India open the way to become a member of the Agency's Advisory Commission. Advisory Commission was created by UN Resolution 302 (IV) on 8 December 1949 and is tasked with advising and assisting the Commissioner-General of UNRWA in carrying out the Agency’s mandate. Consisting of four members when it was first created, today the Advisory Commission (AdCom) is made up of 28 Members and 4 Observers. India's contribution comes even as the agency faces a dire financial situation that can impact health and education for Palestinian refugees. Agency's schools educate 526,000 students every year, of which half are female.UNRWA has been the main provider of primary education to Palestine refugees for 60 years. In 2018, US had stopped aid to UNRWA.

Amid COVID-19 India donates $2 million to UNRWA for Palestinian refugees; UN calls it commendable

The&nbsp;head&nbsp;of the&nbsp;U.N. agency&nbsp;for&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;refugees has resigned&nbsp;amid&nbsp;an internal&nbsp;probe&nbsp;into alleged mismanagement and ethical abuses at the organization, the United Nations said Wednesday.

"A short while ago, UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Pierre Krahenbuhl, informed the secretary-general that he was resigning, effective immediately,"&nbsp;U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told a news briefing.

The&nbsp;U.N. earlier announced Krahenbuhl had been placed on administrative leave, to be replaced on an interim basis by the&nbsp;agency's acting deputy chief Christian Saunders.

An internal&nbsp;ethics&nbsp;report has alleged mismanagement and abuses of authority at the highest levels of the&nbsp;U.N. agency, which has also faced a financial crisis after the United States suspended and later cut all its funding for it in 2018.

U.N. investigators have been probing the allegations in the confidential report, a copy of which was obtained by AFP.

The report describes "credible and corroborated" allegations of serious ethical abuses, including ones involving Krahenbuhl, a Swiss national.

The&nbsp;agency&nbsp;confirmed Wednesday that its internal&nbsp;probe&nbsp;had so far "revealed management issues which relate specifically to the commissioner general."

According to a separate statement from&nbsp;U.N. headquarters, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said preliminary findings revealed no "fraud or misappropriation of operational funds" by Krahenbuhl.

"There are, however, managerial issues that need to be addressed," it said.

According to the confidential report, the allegations include senior management engaging in "sexual misconduct, nepotism, retaliation, discrimination and other abuses of authority, for personal gain, to suppress legitimate dissent, and to otherwise achieve their personal objectives."

Krahenbuhl himself was alleged to have been romantically involved with a colleague appointed in 2015 to a newly created role of senior adviser after an "extreme fast-track" process, the report says.

That enabled her to join him on international business class flights, the report alleges.

"I have rejected these accusations since the beginning and I continue to do so," Krahenbuhl told Swiss television station RTS.

"I can tell you clearly that there is no corruption case, nor fraud, nor mismanagement of funds received from donors," he said, adding that any personal relationship with a colleague "was confirmed as being non-existent by the internal report."&nbsp;

Describing an atmosphere of "hyperpolarization," Krahenbuhl said he stepped down in order to give the organization a needed "psychological shock."

Krahenbuhl's resignation comes as the&nbsp;U.N. General Assembly is due to renew U.N. RWA's mandate for another three years, despite fierce opposition from the United States, which considers it to be inadequate.

A number of other countries have suspended their contributions pending the outcome of the internal&nbsp;probe.

Guterres' spokesman said the secretary-general reiterated his "appreciation to UNRWA for their excellent work."

"At this time, it is vital that member states and other partners remain committed to UNRWA and the services it provides," Dujarric said.

"It is also critical for the international community to support the crucial work performed by the&nbsp;agency&nbsp;in the areas of health, education, and humanitarian assistance, which is a source of stability in a volatile region."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/public-hearings-in-trump-impeachment-probe-start-next-week-us-lawmaker-260398">US President Donald Trump's</a> administration, along with Israel, accuses UNRWA of perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian&nbsp;conflict.

The&nbsp;agency&nbsp;disputes that and says the services it provides would otherwise not be available to Palestinians.

Following Wednesday's announcement, Israel called the organization's operational model "unsustainable."

"The international community needs to find a new model that will provide humanitarian assistance to those who truly need it, and must remove from the agenda the futile idea of the return of the refugees," Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.

UNRWA was set up in the years after more than 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their lands during the 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel.

It provides schooling and medical services to millions of impoverished refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria as well as the&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;territories, and employs around 30,000 people, mostly Palestinians.

A European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said he was "grateful for all (Krahenbuhl) did to stabilize the organization during a difficult time, but stepping aside now is the correct decision."

The head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has resigned amid an internal probe into alleged mismanagement and ethical abuses at the organization, the United Nations said Wednesday.

The head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has resigned amid an internal probe into alleged mismanagement and ethical abuses at the organization, the United Nations said Wednesday. "A short while ago, UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Pierre Krahenbuhl, informed the secretary-general that he was resigning, effective immediately," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told a news briefing. The U.N. earlier announced Krahenbuhl had been placed on administrative leave, to be replaced on an interim basis by the agency's acting deputy chief Christian Saunders. An internal ethics report has alleged mismanagement and abuses of authority at the highest levels of the U.N. agency, which has also faced a financial crisis after the United States suspended and later cut all its funding for it in 2018. U.N. investigators have been probing the allegations in the confidential report, a copy of which was obtained by AFP. The report describes "credible and corroborated" allegations of serious ethical abuses, including ones involving Krahenbuhl, a Swiss national. The agency confirmed Wednesday that its internal probe had so far "revealed management issues which relate specifically to the commissioner general." According to a separate statement from U.N. headquarters, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said preliminary findings revealed no "fraud or misappropriation of operational funds" by Krahenbuhl. "There are, however, managerial issues that need to be addressed," it said. According to the confidential report, the allegations include senior management engaging in "sexual misconduct, nepotism, retaliation, discrimination and other abuses of authority, for personal gain, to suppress legitimate dissent, and to otherwise achieve their personal objectives." Krahenbuhl himself was alleged to have been romantically involved with a colleague appointed in 2015 to a newly created role of senior adviser after an "extreme fast-track" process, the report says. That enabled her to join him on international business class flights, the report alleges. "I have rejected these accusations since the beginning and I continue to do so," Krahenbuhl told Swiss television station RTS. "I can tell you clearly that there is no corruption case, nor fraud, nor mismanagement of funds received from donors," he said, adding that any personal relationship with a colleague "was confirmed as being non-existent by the internal report." Describing an atmosphere of "hyperpolarization," Krahenbuhl said he stepped down in order to give the organization a needed "psychological shock." Krahenbuhl's resignation comes as the U.N. General Assembly is due to renew U.N. RWA's mandate for another three years, despite fierce opposition from the United States, which considers it to be inadequate. A number of other countries have suspended their contributions pending the outcome of the internal probe. Guterres' spokesman said the secretary-general reiterated his "appreciation to UNRWA for their excellent work." "At this time, it is vital that member states and other partners remain committed to UNRWA and the services it provides," Dujarric said. "It is also critical for the international community to support the crucial work performed by the agency in the areas of health, education, and humanitarian assistance, which is a source of stability in a volatile region." US President Donald Trump's administration, along with Israel, accuses UNRWA of perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The agency disputes that and says the services it provides would otherwise not be available to Palestinians. Following Wednesday's announcement, Israel called the organization's operational model "unsustainable." "The international community needs to find a new model that will provide humanitarian assistance to those who truly need it, and must remove from the agenda the futile idea of the return of the refugees," Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement. UNRWA was set up in the years after more than 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their lands during the 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel. It provides schooling and medical services to millions of impoverished refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria as well as the Palestinian territories, and employs around 30,000 people, mostly Palestinians. A European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said he was "grateful for all (Krahenbuhl) did to stabilize the organization during a difficult time, but stepping aside now is the correct decision."

Head of U.N. Palestinian agency resigns amid ethics probe

India Thursday expressed hope that other member states, including the traditional donors, will step in to support the UN agency for Palestinian refugees which is facing serious resource crunch after the US decided not to provide further funding to it.

The Trump administration had last month announced that after carefully reviewing the issue it has decided not to make additional contributions to the United Nation Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

"India has supported UNRWA's work since its establishment. UNRWA has been carrying out commendable work for Palestine refugees," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said at the Ministerial Committee of the NAM on Palestine held Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.

She said from this year, India has increased its contribution to UNRWA from US $1.25 million to US $5 million annually, the country's highest annual voluntary contribution to any of the UN's funds and programmes.&nbsp;

"We hope other member states, including the traditional donors will also step in to support UNRWA at a time when it is faced with a serious resource crunch," Swaraj said. 
State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert had announced that the US was no longer willing to shoulder the very disproportionate share of the burden of UNRWA's costs.&nbsp;

"When we made a US contribution of US $60 million in January, we made it clear that the US was no longer willing to shoulder the very disproportionate share of the burden of UNRWA's costs that we had assumed for many years," Nauert had said in a statement on August 31.

Swaraj also voiced concern over the deterioration in the security situation in the region, reiterating that a negotiated two-State solution remains the only viable solution to the issue to bring sustainable peace and lasting security.&nbsp;

"Restraint and moderation are required on all sides. The stagnation since the collapse of talks four years ago and the deterioration in the security situation continues to cause serious concern. We hope for an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine that can move towards finding out a comprehensive resolution of the issue," she said.

She said India's continued commitment to the Palestinian cause and earnestness to develop stronger bilateral relations is demonstrated in the successive high level visit in the recent past.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Palestine in a "historic" trip.&nbsp;

Swaraj told the meeting that India is investing in projects of healthcare, educational infrastructure, women empowerment and a printing press, in addition to other capacity building programmes.&nbsp;

India has also set up various bilateral institutional consultation mechanisms including Foreign Office consultations and a Joint Commission, which pursues these partnership projects.

Development partnership projects worth around US $70 million are under implementation during the last five years, including flagship projects like the super-specialty hospital in Beit Sahour and the India-Palestine Technology Park, which was inaugurated last year in Ramallah, she added.&nbsp;

Skills and capacity development for the youth and their enhanced engagement, as an investment in a better future, is also one of the focus of India-Palestine partnership, she said.&nbsp;

While the number of youth delegates to participate in the youth exchange programme has been doubled this year, India has also substantially enhanced the scholarships made available for Palestinian professionals and students for technical training and higher education from this year, Swaraj said.

India Thursday expressed hope that other member states, including the traditional donors, will step in to support the UN agency for Palestinian refugees which is facing serious resource crunch after the US decided not to provide further funding to it.

India Thursday expressed hope that other member states, including the traditional donors, will step in to support the UN agency for Palestinian refugees which is facing serious resource crunch after the US decided not to provide further funding to it. The Trump administration had last month announced that after carefully reviewing the issue it has decided not to make additional contributions to the United Nation Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "India has supported UNRWA's work since its establishment. UNRWA has been carrying out commendable work for Palestine refugees," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said at the Ministerial Committee of the NAM on Palestine held Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. She said from this year, India has increased its contribution to UNRWA from US $1.25 million to US $5 million annually, the country's highest annual voluntary contribution to any of the UN's funds and programmes. "We hope other member states, including the traditional donors will also step in to support UNRWA at a time when it is faced with a serious resource crunch," Swaraj said. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert had announced that the US was no longer willing to shoulder the very disproportionate share of the burden of UNRWA's costs. "When we made a US contribution of US $60 million in January, we made it clear that the US was no longer willing to shoulder the very disproportionate share of the burden of UNRWA's costs that we had assumed for many years," Nauert had said in a statement on August 31. Swaraj also voiced concern over the deterioration in the security situation in the region, reiterating that a negotiated two-State solution remains the only viable solution to the issue to bring sustainable peace and lasting security. "Restraint and moderation are required on all sides. The stagnation since the collapse of talks four years ago and the deterioration in the security situation continues to cause serious concern. We hope for an early resumption of talks between Israel and Palestine that can move towards finding out a comprehensive resolution of the issue," she said. She said India's continued commitment to the Palestinian cause and earnestness to develop stronger bilateral relations is demonstrated in the successive high level visit in the recent past. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Palestine in a "historic" trip. Swaraj told the meeting that India is investing in projects of healthcare, educational infrastructure, women empowerment and a printing press, in addition to other capacity building programmes. India has also set up various bilateral institutional consultation mechanisms including Foreign Office consultations and a Joint Commission, which pursues these partnership projects. Development partnership projects worth around US $70 million are under implementation during the last five years, including flagship projects like the super-specialty hospital in Beit Sahour and the India-Palestine Technology Park, which was inaugurated last year in Ramallah, she added. Skills and capacity development for the youth and their enhanced engagement, as an investment in a better future, is also one of the focus of India-Palestine partnership, she said. While the number of youth delegates to participate in the youth exchange programme has been doubled this year, India has also substantially enhanced the scholarships made available for Palestinian professionals and students for technical training and higher education from this year, Swaraj said.

Members states will step in to support UNRWA after US' refusal to provide funds to it: Swaraj

Jordan`s King Abdullah II on Monday urged the international community to &quot;fulfil its responsibilities&quot; towards Palestinians in Jerusalem and support the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

His comments, following a meeting with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, came after US President Donald Trump sparked Arab and Muslim outrage by recognising Jerusalem as Israel`s capital and suspended funds to UNRWA.

&quot;The international community must fulfil its responsibilities to protect the rights of Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem,&quot; Abdullah said, according to a palace statement.

The city is &quot;the key to achieving peace and stability in the region,&quot; he said.

East Jerusalem was under Jordanian adminstration before Israel occupied it during the 1967 Six-Day War.&nbsp;

Israel, which signed a peace treaty with Jordan in 1994, recognises the kingdom`s status as custodian of the city`s holy sites.

Jordan in December called Trump`s move &quot;a violation of decisions of international law and the United Nations charter&quot;.

The Jordanian monarch also on Monday urged the international community to support the UN agency for Palestinians.

Earlier this month, the United States put on hold two planned payments of more than $100 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.

The agency, set up after the 1948 creation of Israel that drove huge numbers of Palestinians from their homes, faces what the UN has described as the &quot;most severe&quot; crisis in its history.

'The international community must fulfil its responsibilities to protect the rights of Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem,' Abdullah said, according to a palace statement

Jordan`s King Abdullah II on Monday urged the international community to "fulfil its responsibilities" towards Palestinians in Jerusalem and support the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. His comments, following a meeting with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, came after US President Donald Trump sparked Arab and Muslim outrage by recognising Jerusalem as Israel`s capital and suspended funds to UNRWA. "The international community must fulfil its responsibilities to protect the rights of Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem," Abdullah said, according to a palace statement. The city is "the key to achieving peace and stability in the region," he said. East Jerusalem was under Jordanian adminstration before Israel occupied it during the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel, which signed a peace treaty with Jordan in 1994, recognises the kingdom`s status as custodian of the city`s holy sites. Jordan in December called Trump`s move "a violation of decisions of international law and the United Nations charter". The Jordanian monarch also on Monday urged the international community to support the UN agency for Palestinians. Earlier this month, the United States put on hold two planned payments of more than $100 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The agency, set up after the 1948 creation of Israel that drove huge numbers of Palestinians from their homes, faces what the UN has described as the "most severe" crisis in its history.

Jordan king urges world to back Palestinian rights

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called for the closure of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, days after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut Palestinian aid.

Israel has long viewed the UN agency, known as UNRWA, as biased against it, an allegation the agency strongly denies, saying it is only providing necessary services to Palestinians.

Israeli officials also criticise the agency&#39;s method of classifying refugees, with descendants also eligible to register.

&quot;UNRWA is an organisation that perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem,&quot; Netanyahu said at the beginning of his weekly cabinet meeting.

He said that while millions of other refugees around the world were cared for by the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Palestinians have their own body which also treats &quot;great-grandchildren of refugees -- who aren&#39;t refugees.&quot;

&quot;This absurd situation must be ended,&quot; Netanyahu said.

In June, Netanyahu said he had raised the issue with Washington&#39;s UN envoy Nikki Haley.

On Wednesday, Trump threatened to cut aid worth more than $300 million annually to the Palestinians in a bid to force them to negotiate.

The United States has long provided the Palestinian Authority with much-needed budgetary support and security assistance, as well as an additional $304 million for UN programmes in the West Bank and Gaza.

A Friday report on Israeli Channel 10 television said the US had frozen a payment due to UNRWA, but a spokesman for the UN organisation said on Saturday that they &quot;have not been informed directly of a formal decision either way by the US administration.&quot;

UNRWA runs hundreds of schools for Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

It also distributes aid and provides teacher training centres, health clinics and social services.

Many analysts, including Israelis, warn that closing the agency without having an effective replacement could lead to further poverty and perhaps violence.

&quot;While UNRWA is far from perfect, the Israeli defence establishment, and the Israeli government as a whole, have over the years come to the understanding that all the alternatives are worse for Israel,&quot; Peter Lerner, a former spokesman for the Israeli military, wrote in an opinion piece in Haaretz newspaper last week.

&quot;In an extreme situation, the administration of those refugees could fall on Israel&#39;s shoulders.&quot;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Israel has long viewed the UN agency, known as UNRWA, as biased against it, an allegation the agency strongly denies, saying it is only providing necessary services to Palestinians

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called for the closure of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, days after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut Palestinian aid. Israel has long viewed the UN agency, known as UNRWA, as biased against it, an allegation the agency strongly denies, saying it is only providing necessary services to Palestinians. Israeli officials also criticise the agency's method of classifying refugees, with descendants also eligible to register. "UNRWA is an organisation that perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem," Netanyahu said at the beginning of his weekly cabinet meeting. He said that while millions of other refugees around the world were cared for by the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Palestinians have their own body which also treats "great-grandchildren of refugees -- who aren't refugees." "This absurd situation must be ended," Netanyahu said. In June, Netanyahu said he had raised the issue with Washington's UN envoy Nikki Haley. On Wednesday, Trump threatened to cut aid worth more than $300 million annually to the Palestinians in a bid to force them to negotiate. The United States has long provided the Palestinian Authority with much-needed budgetary support and security assistance, as well as an additional $304 million for UN programmes in the West Bank and Gaza. A Friday report on Israeli Channel 10 television said the US had frozen a payment due to UNRWA, but a spokesman for the UN organisation said on Saturday that they "have not been informed directly of a formal decision either way by the US administration." UNRWA runs hundreds of schools for Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. It also distributes aid and provides teacher training centres, health clinics and social services. Many analysts, including Israelis, warn that closing the agency without having an effective replacement could lead to further poverty and perhaps violence. "While UNRWA is far from perfect, the Israeli defence establishment, and the Israeli government as a whole, have over the years come to the understanding that all the alternatives are worse for Israel," Peter Lerner, a former spokesman for the Israeli military, wrote in an opinion piece in Haaretz newspaper last week. "In an extreme situation, the administration of those refugees could fall on Israel's shoulders."

Netanyahu calls for closure of UN Palestinian refugee agency

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