Italy and Australia have temporarily halted funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) following allegations of employees' involvement in the October 7th terrorist attacks in southern Israel. Israel informed both the United States and UNRWA that it believes 12 of its employees were implicated in the attacks, although the identities and level of involvement remain unknown. In response, UNRWA's commissioner general, Philippe Lazzarini, immediately terminated the contracts of the accused workers and has launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The United States has also announced a temporary pause in additional funding to UNRWA pending the outcome of the investigation. UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, with funding originating from both the UN budget and voluntary donations from member countries. Alongside the US State Department, Canada, Australia, and Italy have all paused their financial support, and it is possible that other countries may follow suit.
