Biden Admin halts UNRWA funding due to 12 employees’ alleged involvement on Oct. 7

The Biden Administration Pauses Funding to UNRWA Amid Allegations⁤ of Employee⁤ Involvement in Attacks

The Biden administration has temporarily halted funding to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) following allegations that some of​ its⁤ employees were involved in ⁢the Oct. 7 massacre​ carried⁤ out by Hamas.

“The Department of State has temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA⁣ while we ⁢review these allegations and ⁢the steps the United Nations is taking to address them,” said State Department‌ spokesman Matthew Miller.

UNRWA announced on Friday that it has initiated an investigation into several employees suspected of being involved in the attacks and has severed ⁤ties with them.

“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,” stated Philippe ⁢Lazzarini, UNRWA⁣ commissioner-general. “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.”

Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, has been briefed about the allegations and has requested a thorough⁣ investigation ⁣to ensure that any UNRWA employee found to ⁣have participated in or supported the Oct. 7 attacks⁣ be immediately terminated and potentially face criminal prosecution.

“An urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA will be conducted,” added Guterres’ spokesperson.

The Biden administration ‌had restored funding to UNRWA in 2021 after it was cut off during the Trump administration, which criticized the agency as “irredeemably flawed.” Since then, the Biden administration has provided over $730 million to UNRWA.

Established in 1949,‍ UNRWA offers various ​services, including education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid, to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan,‌ Syria, and‍ Lebanon. However, the ⁣agency has long faced accusations of promoting radicalism and aiding terrorist groups.

Furthermore, UNRWA⁢ facilities have been found to store terrorist weaponry, and its textbooks and educational materials have ​been known‌ to promote anti-Semitism⁢ and calls for Israel’s destruction.

With the biggest donors to ⁢UNRWA‌ in 2022 being the United States, Germany, and the European Union, the ⁢pause in funding has significant implications for the agency’s ability to provide humanitarian assistance.

The diplomatic missions of the United States, Germany, and the European⁢ Union in Geneva have not yet⁣ commented on the⁤ situation.

What actions should UNRWA take to ensure the safety, well-being, and trust of those it serves, ⁢as well as⁤ its donors and⁢ partners, ​in light⁤ of⁢ the allegations of ⁤employee involvement in attacks

Tion regarding the alleged involvement‌ of ​some employees in ⁤the ​October ‌7 attack. In response, UNRWA immediately⁤ launched an internal investigation and took the necessary measures, including the termination of employment⁢ contracts with the individuals implicated,” UNRWA spokesperson Adnan Abu Hasna said in a statement.

This move by the ​Biden administration⁣ comes as a shock to many, as the United States has⁢ been‍ a long-standing supporter of‌ UNRWA, providing significant financial contributions ‍to ⁢the agency. In fact, the US was the⁤ largest single ‍donor to UNRWA, with a contribution of ​$360 million in⁤ 2020 alone.

UNRWA was ⁤established in 1949 with the goal of providing⁣ assistance ​and protection to Palestinian refugees ⁣displaced⁣ as a result of the Arab-Israeli conflict. The agency operates schools, healthcare facilities,⁢ and social services for over 5 million ‍registered Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.

However, this is not the first time UNRWA has faced allegations ⁢of employee involvement in attacks. In 2019, a UN Watch report revealed that UNRWA employees posted incendiary and anti-Semitic content on social media, ‌often glorifying violence​ against ‍Israelis.‌ The report also found that UNRWA schools were used to store and launch ‍rockets by Palestinian militant groups during conflicts​ with Israel.

These allegations raise serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of UNRWA and its employees. It‍ is essential that any organization entrusted with⁤ providing assistance to vulnerable populations maintains the highest ‌standards of‍ conduct and ensures that its ​employees do not engage in⁤ terrorist activities or support​ violent‌ ideologies.

The Biden administration’s ‍decision to pause funding to UNRWA demonstrates a commitment to reviewing these serious allegations and holding the⁣ agency accountable for any⁤ wrongdoing. ⁢The United States has a responsibility to ensure that its taxpayer dollars are used to ​support organizations that promote peace, security, and the well-being ⁤of ‌all people ‍in the⁤ region.

In addition ⁢to the suspension of funding, the Biden administration has ​called for a comprehensive‍ and transparent investigation⁢ into the allegations against UNRWA ‍employees and has urged ‌the United Nations ⁤to take appropriate action to⁤ address this ‌issue.

It is crucial that UNRWA takes swift and decisive ‍action to address these allegations, strengthen its internal monitoring mechanisms, and enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards‍ any involvement in⁤ violence ‌or support⁣ for terrorist activities. The integrity and ‍credibility of ⁣the agency’s ⁤work ⁤depend on its ability to ensure the safety and well-being of those it serves, as well ​as maintain the​ trust of its donors and‍ partners.

The temporary halt in⁣ funding should serve as a wake-up ⁤call for UNRWA ⁤to reevaluate its practices and implement robust measures to prevent any further incidents‍ of employee involvement in ‍attacks or extremist activities. This⁣ episode highlights the need for a thorough review of the agency’s operations and policies, ensuring that​ they align with international ⁢standards and uphold the principles of neutrality and non-violence.

While it is important to continue providing assistance and support⁣ to Palestinian refugees, it is equally crucial to ensure that‍ this⁤ aid does not inadvertently contribute to or enable violence. The‍ United States, along ⁤with other donor countries, must‌ closely ‍monitor the actions of organizations like UNRWA and ensure that⁢ their funds⁣ are used solely for the benefit of those in ⁤need.

By ‌taking a firm stance against⁣ allegations of employee involvement in⁢ attacks, the ⁢Biden administration is sending‌ a⁢ clear ‌message that it will prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals in the region. This pause in funding serves as a reminder of the ⁣importance of accountability, transparency, and adherence to international norms‍ and values.

As the investigation into⁤ the alleged involvement of ⁤UNRWA employees ⁢in the Oct. 7 attack progresses, ‌it is paramount⁣ that all parties involved cooperate fully ‌and transparently to ensure a fair and thorough examination of the ​facts. The truth must be uncovered, and appropriate measures ⁣should be taken to prevent such ‌incidents ⁢from occurring in‌ the future.

Ultimately, the ​goal ⁤should be ⁣to establish a more‍ secure, peaceful, and prosperous future for all individuals in the region, including Palestinian refugees. This can only be achieved through the promotion of dialogue, understanding, and respect, as well as a commitment to justice and accountability for all parties involved in the conflict.

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