UNRWA funding cuts ‘a death sentence’ for civilians in Gaza
Funding cuts for the UN Palestinian agency by some of the world’s wealthiest nations is a “death sentence” for civilians inside Gaza, according to the humanitarian organisation ActionAid.
A number of UNRWA employees have been sacked after Israel claimed they were involved in the 7 October Hamas attack.
A report this morning suggested some of the dismissed employees are accused of taking part in kibbutz massacres and of taking hostages.
Austria earlier joined Britain, Germany, the US, Australia and Canada, among others, in pausing funding to the aid agency, an important source of support for people in Gaza.
ActionAid said it welcomed the announcement of an internal investigation into the allegations, but said the funding cuts could be devastating for those on the ground.
“This reckless action spells a death sentence for millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the surrounding region, intensifying an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis for millions of people,” it said.
“We vehemently denounce the callous choice to punish an entire population by some of the very nations that previously called for increased aid and protection for humanitarians in Gaza.”
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