United States: The head of the UN has pledged to punish “any UN employee involved in acts of terror” in response to claims that certain employees of the refugee agency took part in the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.
However, after nine nations cut off funding to the UN Refugee Agency for Palestinians (UNRWA), Antonio Guterres pleaded with governments to keep up their support.
“Any UN employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Guterres said in a statement.
“The Secretariat is ready to cooperate with a competent authority able to prosecute the individuals in line with the Secretariat’s normal procedures for such cooperation. The tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalised. The dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met,” Guterres added.
The UN chief provided information about the UNRWA employees involved in the “abhorrent alleged acts” in his first direct remarks on the matter.
Guterres stated that of the twelve people involved, nine had been fired, one had been declared dead, and the identities of the other two were still being investigated.
Following Israel’s accusations, the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Finland joined the US, Australia, and Canada on Saturday in suspending funding to the aid organisation, which is a vital source of support for those in Gaza.
Guterres remarked that, “While I understand their concerns – I was myself horrified by these accusations – I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s operations.”
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