The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees fired a number of its staffers in Gaza suspected of taking part in the Oct. 7 terror attack by Hamas on southern Israel, its director said Friday, prompting the United States — the agency’s biggest donor — to temporarily halt its funding.
The agency, United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East known by its acronym UNRWA, has been the main agency providing aid for Gaza’s population during Israel’s offensive against Hamas that was triggered by the Oct. 7 attack.
UNRWA officials did not comment on the impact that the U.S. halt in funding would have on its operations.
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In a statement, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini called the allegations “shocking” and said any employee “involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.”
Lazzarini said the agency terminated contracts with “several” employees and ordered an investigation after Israel provided information alleging they played a role in the attack. The U.S. State Department said there were allegations against 12 employees.
UNRWA has 13,000 staffers in Gaza, almost all of them Palestinians, ranging
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