Palestinian officials denounce US and UK decision to pause Unrwa funding
Several countries, including the US and the UK, suspended funding for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) on Friday, in a move which has been condemned by Palestinian officials.
The development came after Israel alleged that 12 out of the 30,000 employees at Unrwa were involved in the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October.
On Friday, Unrwa said it had severed ties with a number of employees and launched an investigation.
"The Israeli authorities have provided Unrwa with information about the alleged involvement of several Unrwa employees in the horrific attacks on Israel on October 7," Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of Unrwa, said on Friday.
"To protect the agency's ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, I have taken the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an investigation in order to establish the truth without delay."