Restoring U.S. funding for UNRWA depends on investigation: spokesperson
Global News
The US says it will wait for the investigation into whether UN employees took part in the Hamas attacks before deciding to resume funding.
The United States will wait for the results of the United Nations’ investigation into the allegations staff were involved in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel before it resumes delivering aid, a spokesperson said.
“We have suspended our contributions to UNRWA pending the results of this investigation,” U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Monday, referring to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East.
The U.S., along with allies Canada, Germany, Britain and others suspended aid to UNRWA after the agency said on Friday it is investigating allegations shared by Israel that some of its employees were involvement with the attack on Israel.
On Monday, UNRWA said it will not be able to continue its operations across the region beyond the end of February unless donors resume their funding.
UNRWA delivers food and water to more than two million people in besieged Gaza, with the agency’s head saying the population depends on it for “sheer survival.”
“All the more reason that… this investigation be credible, transparent and thorough, and frankly, timely,” Kirby said.
Israel controls the borders, restricts supplies and has clamped down after Hamas’ attacks, which killed roughly 1,200 people. The Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry says Israel’s retaliation killed more than 26,000 people.
In December the World Food Programme warned the region is facing a famine.
