Australia signals desire to resume UNRWA funding to ensure ‘fewer children are starving’ in Gaza

Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, says allegations some UNRWA staff were involved in the 7 October attacks on Israel must be ‘thoroughly investigated’. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, has signalled that resuming Australia’s funding to a key UN agency delivering aid to Gaza is the only realistic route “if we are serious about trying to ensure that fewer children are starving”.

Wong has directed Australia’s humanitarian coordinator, Beth Delaney, to “lead urgent work coordinating with like-minded partners as well as UNRWA” to work out the next steps, after more than 10 countries suspended funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.