JERUSALEM: The UN company for Palestinian refugees mentioned Friday (Jan 26) it had sacked a number of staff accused by Israel of involvement in Hamas’s Oct 7 attack, prompting america to droop vital funding.
The top of the company, Philippe Lazzarini, vowed to carry “accountable, together with by way of prison prosecution” any UNRWA worker discovered to have taken half in acts of terror.
In response to the firings, UN chief Antonio Guterres pledged to conduct an “pressing and complete unbiased evaluation of UNRWA”, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric mentioned.
The US State Division mentioned in an announcement that it was “extraordinarily troubled” by the allegations in opposition to the company, UNRWA, and has “briefly paused further funding … whereas we evaluation these allegations and the steps the United Nations is taking to handle them”.
Twelve staff “might have been concerned”, it added.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Thursday with the top of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, “to emphasise the need of a radical and swift investigation of this matter”, the assertion mentioned.
“We additionally welcome the UN’s announcement of a ‘complete and unbiased’ evaluation of UNRWA. There have to be full accountability for anybody who participated within the heinous assaults of October 7,” the State Division mentioned.
The assertion underlined that “UNRWA performs a vital function in offering lifesaving help to Palestinians, together with important meals, medication, shelter, and different very important humanitarian assist”.
“Their work has saved lives, and it’s important that UNRWA deal with these allegations and take any acceptable corrective measures, together with reviewing its current insurance policies and procedures.”
Israel’s international ministry mentioned Friday it was “anticipating an pressing investigation of UNRWA on the involvement of its staff within the terror assault of October 7”.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, mentioned the sackings proved long-standing claims that “UNRWA staff are collaborators of the terrorist group Hamas”.
