By Blessing Chinagorom
The United States through State Department has temporarily paused additional funding for United Nations Agency (UNRWA) for the allegations that twelve of its employees may have been involved in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.
In a statement released by the State Department Spokesperson, Mathew Miller on Friday stating that the United States troubled by this allegation adding that there will be a review while watching the steps the United Nations is taking to address them.
It was reported that Israel has previously accused UNRWA for acting as an effective shadow government in Gaza Strip, operating a wide array of social programs, of fueling anti-Israeli sentiment. The accusation and the U.N.’s swift reaction, however, contrast with previous U.N. denials of Israeli allegations.
While stated further that the Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday to emphasize the necessity of a thorough and swift investigation of this matter.
It added that United States welcome the decision to conduct such an investigation and Secretary General Guterres’ pledge to take decisive action to respond, should the allegations prove accurate.
“We also welcome the UN’s announcement of a “comprehensive and independent” review of UNRWA. There must be complete accountability for anyone who participated in the heinous attacks of October 7”, the statement said.
It noted that UNRWA plays a critical role in providing lifesaving assistance to Palestinians, including essential food, medicine, shelter, and other vital humanitarian support.
Their work has saved lives, and it is important that UNRWA address these allegations and take any appropriate corrective measures, including reviewing its existing policies and procedures.
The statement revealed that the United States has reached out to the Government of Israel to seek more information about these allegations, and have briefed Members of Congress. “We will remain in close contact with the United Nations and Government of Israel regarding this matter”.
Meanwhile, in a statement which stated that the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has been briefed by the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, as regard this serious allegations of UNRWA staff in the terror attacks of 7 October in Israel.
It said that the Secretary-General is horrified by this news and has asked Mr. Lazzarini to investigate this matter swiftly and to ensure that any UNRWA employee shown to have participated or abetted what transpired on 7 October, or in any other criminal activity, be terminated immediately and referred for potential criminal prosecution.
UNRWA will be commissioning an independent expert review, as announced by Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on 17 January 2024.
He said, “To protect the Agency’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, I have taken the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an investigation in order to establish the truth without delay.
“Any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.
“UNRWA reiterates its condemnation in the strongest possible terms of the abhorrent attacks of 7 October and calls for immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages and their safe return to their families.
“These shocking allegations come as more than 2 million people in Gaza depend on lifesaving assistance that the Agency has been providing since the war began.
“Anyone who betrays the fundamental values of the United Nations also betrays those whom we serve in Gaza, across the region and elsewhere around the world”, the Commissioner-General added.