US defends UN agency for Palestinian refugees even after pausing funding amid Israeli allegations

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US said Monday that the actions of a "small number" of the UN's Palestine refugee agency employees in Gaza should not be used to batter the agency’s reputation, maintaining its halt on assistance is contingent on an ongoing investigation.

"These are serious allegations, even though it's a small number, percentage-wise, of the 13,000 that are on the ground in Gaza," National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at the White House.

"Let's not impugn the good work of a whole agency, because of the potential bad actions here by a small number. I am not dismissing the seriousness of the allegations against those employees, and whether there's going to be more that will be found, hopefully the investigation will give us more insight," he added.

Israel on Friday alleged that 13 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) employees had a role in October's attack in which Tel Aviv estimates 1,200 people were killed. About 250 others were taken back to the besieged coastal enclave as hostages.

The public allegations came as Israel was ordered by the International Court of Justice to take a number of measures to prevent genocide in Gaza as a case brought by South Africa proceeds in the Hague.

At least 12 countries – Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, Finland, Australia, the UK, Netherlands, the US, France, Austria and Japan – have suspended funds for UNRWA, which was established in 1949 to aid Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's commissioner-general, said Friday that the agency has terminated "several" employees following Israel's allegations, and announced an investigation into the matter "to establish the truth without delay."

Lazzarini said any involvement in acts of terror by any UNRWA employee will be held to account, including through criminal prosecution.

"UNRWA reiterates its condemnation in the strongest possible terms of the abhorrent attacks of 7 October and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages and their safe return to their families," he said. "These shocking allegations come as more than 2 million people in Gaza depend on lifesaving assistance that the Agency has been providing since the war began."

"Anyone who betrays the fundamental values of the United Nations also betrays those whom we serve in Gaza, across the region and elsewhere around the world," he added.

The UN has warned that the donors' decisions to pause funding to UNRWA risks imperiling its ability to provide life-saving aid. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to meet Tuesday with relevant parties to address the situation.

Kirby said the situation is "serious," and added the US is closely following the agency's investigation as it weighs whether to continue its contributions.

"We understand that they are very, very dependent on donor contributions, and the United States has been the leading donor for many, many years. We have suspended our contributions to UNRWA pending the results of this investigation, all the more reason that, as I said, this investigation be credible, transparent and thorough, and frankly timely," he added.