UNRWA separates from several employees accused by Israel to be linked to the October 7 attack

UNRWA announced on Friday that it had separated from “several” of its employees, accused by the Israeli authorities of being involved in the deadly attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on October 7.

“Israeli authorities provided UNRWA with information on the supposed involvement of several of its employees” in the attack, said a statement from the head of the agency, Philippe Lazzarini.

 “To protect the agency's ability to deliver humanitarian aid, I have decided to immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and open an investigation so that the truth can be established without delay,” he added.

Lazzarini also added that any employee who has been involved in acts of terrorism will be held accountable, including through legal action. UNRWA reiterates its condemnation in the strongest terms of the October 7 attacks and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the Israeli hostages still detained.

Washington suspends funding for UNRWA after accusations

The United States will temporarily suspend all future funding to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) after allegations that employees may have been involved in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, diplomacy announced on Friday American.

 “The United States is extremely concerned by allegations that 12 UNRWA personnel may have been involved in the Hamas terrorist attack against Israel on October 7,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. in a press release.

WHO refutes Israel's accusations of collusion with Hamas

On the other side, the head of the World Health Organization on Friday refuted accusations of collusion with Hamas launched by Israel the day before.

“Such false allegations are harmful and can endanger our staff who risk their lives to serve vulnerable people,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on X (former Twitter).

“As a United Nations agency, WHO is impartial and works for the health and well-being of all,” he added.

Speaking at a meeting of the WHO Executive Board on Thursday, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva Meirav Eilon Shahar accused Hamas of having "militarized the entire civilian area of the Gaza Strip as part of a premeditated strategy.