Israel-Hamas war: Involved in October 7 attack, 9 UN staff fired, one dead, last two being identified
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday vowed to hold accountable “UN staff involved in acts of terrorism” following allegations that some staff of the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) were allegedly involved in an October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.
Antonio Guterres, however, urged governments to continue supporting the UN agency after several countries cut their funding. “Any UN staff involved in acts of terrorism should be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.”The UN Secretary General announced in a press release. “The Secretariat stands ready to cooperate with the competent authority in taking action against the persons in question, in accordance with the Secretariat’s normal procedures in this matter.”
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Israel-Hamas war: Did UN personnel participate in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel?
Antonio Guterres also said: “The thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, often in some of the most dangerous conditions for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized. The immediate needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met.”
Disrupted funding
The UN Secretary General gave details of the UNRWA personnel involved “Alleged Heinous Acts”. Of the 12 people involved, he said, nine had had their contracts terminated, one had died and the identity of the last two was being established.
Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland announced this Saturday that they would freeze funding to UNRWA following the allegations made by Israel. The United States, Australia and Canada have already cut funding to the UN agency. “While I understand their concerns – I myself have been appalled by these allegations – I urge those governments that have suspended their contributions to at least guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s operations”Antonio Guterres declared.
