In his first direct comments after allegations were raised about the involvement of UNRWA staff in the October 7 massacre, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres revealed new information about the investigation into the "abhorrent alleged acts." Of the 12 implicated, he said, nine had been terminated, one was confirmed dead and the identities of the other two were being clarified.
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Guterres vowed on Sunday to hold to account "any UN employee involved in acts of terror" after allegations that some refugee agency staffers were involved in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
But he implored governments to continue supporting the UN refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) after multiple countries paused funding.
"Any UN employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution," the UN chief said in a statement. "The Secretariat is ready to cooperate with a competent authority able to prosecute the individuals in line with the Secretariat’s normal procedures for such cooperation."
At the same time, he said, "The tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized. The dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met."
Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland on Saturday joined the United States, Australia and Canada in pausing funding to the aid agency, a critical source of support for people in Gaza, after the allegations by Israel.
"While I understand their concerns – I was myself horrified by these accusations - I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s operations," Guterres said.
On Saturday, the Commissioner General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, criticized the decision of the U.S., Germany, Great Britain and other countries to halt funds to the U.N agency for Palestinian refugees. Lazzarini said that the cessation of funding is "shocking", and warned that it threatens the continuation of humanitarian activities in the region, especially in Gaza. He called on the countries to reconsider their decision.