The British government has announced an immediate pause in funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) after allegations surfaced that several staff members were involved in the deadly Hamas attack on Israel last October.
Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated that London is "deeply concerned" by the accusations, which suggest UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 assault that killed approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel. The UK joins several Western nations, including the United States and Germany, in suspending financial support to the agency.
Investigation Underway
UNRWA has confirmed it terminated contracts with several employees following the allegations and launched an internal investigation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the situation as "exceptionally grave" while urging continued funding to maintain vital humanitarian operations in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis Looms
The funding suspension comes as Gaza faces severe shortages of food, medicine and basic supplies after nearly four months of conflict. Aid organizations warn that cutting support to UNRWA could have devastating consequences for Palestinian civilians relying on the agency's services.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office emphasized the temporary nature of the funding pause, stating the UK remains committed to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza through alternative channels.
