Canada suspends cash for UN agency serving Palestinians, amid probe into Hamas attack
CTV
Canada is joining the United States in suspending funding for a UN agency that supports Palestinians, in response to allegations agency staff played a role in the Hamas attack on Israel last October.
Canada is joining the United States in suspending funding for a UN agency that supports Palestinians, in response to allegations agency staff played a role in the Hamas attack on Israel last October.
Ottawa has ordered a temporary pause on "any additional funding" for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
The director for the agency known as UNWRA says it has terminated staff suspected of involvement in the Hamas attack, without sharing what role they may have played.
The U.S. State Department says it believes 12 staff are facing accusations of involvement.
International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen says Canada will channel humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza through other agencies until the investigation is done.
He says UNRWA must take action against any of its staff who are proven to have played a role in the attacks.
"Canada is taking these reports extremely seriously and is engaging closely with UNRWA and other donors on this issue," he said in a statement late Friday afternoon.
