Unrwa chief 'shocked' after countries pause funding

Philippe Lazzarini, head of Unrwa, said that nine countries' decisions to suspend funding over allegations staff were involved in the 7 October attacks on Israel was shocking, and urged them to reverse course.

"These decisions threaten our ongoing humanitarian work across the region including and especially in the Gaza Strip," Lazzarini said in a statement.

UNRWA lifesaving assistance is about to end following countries decisions to cut their funding to the Agency.

Our humanitarian operation, on which 2 million people depend as a lifeline in Gaza, is collapsing. I am shocked such decisions are taken based on alleged behavior of a…
— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) January 27, 2024

"Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment," he continued on X. "This stains all of us."

Unrwa chief 'shocked' after countries pause funding

Read More: Palestinian officials denounce US and UK decision to pause Unrwa funding