Allegations of Employee Involvement in Attack
The U.N. aid agency serving Palestinians in Gaza, known as UNRWA, is facing more funding cuts after accusations arose that 12 of its employees were involved in the attack that sparked the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. An Israeli document obtained by The Associated Press details claims that UNRWA teachers and a social worker allegedly stormed into Israel, taking hostages and coordinating weapons’ transfers. The allegations have led to a wave of funding cuts by major donors, including the U.S., Britain, and France.
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
The war has caused a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, displacing the majority of the population and leading to widespread hunger. UNRWA, which employs roughly 13,000 Palestinians in Gaza, warns that it will be forced to halt operations within weeks if funding isn’t restored.
The Toll of the Conflict
The attack on October 7 by Hamas killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in the capture of around 250 individuals. In response, Israel launched a brutal air, sea, and ground offensive that has killed over 26,000 Palestinians, primarily women and minors, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza. This conflict has not only caused immense suffering in Gaza but also poses the risk of a wider regional conflict.
International Reactions
Germany has condemned the fatal attack on U.S. troops in Jordan that Washington has blamed on Iran-backed militias. Germany is calling on Tehran to exert its influence on regional allies to prevent further escalation. Austria and Japan have also suspended funding for UNRWA until a comprehensive investigation is conducted into the employee allegations.
EU Calls for Audit of UNRWA
The European Union is planning to appoint independent experts to conduct an audit of UNRWA to ensure that staff members are not involved in terrorist activities. The EU is one of the biggest donors of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza but has withheld further funding until the audit takes place.
Continued Violence and Attacks
Palestinian authorities report that five Palestinians, including a 16-year-old boy, were killed by Israeli forces in separate shootings across the occupied West Bank on Monday. The Israeli military claims the boy attempted a stabbing attack on soldiers. In another incident, a 20-year-old man was seriously wounded in a car ramming attack outside a military base in Haifa, Israel.
Efforts for Diplomatic Resolution
Iraq’s government condemned the drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan and called for an end to the cycle of violence. Iraq is ready to participate in diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the situation remains highly volatile, and efforts for a peaceful resolution are crucial.
