United Nations: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, UNRWA , said that it has not yet received “conclusive evidence” of Israeli allegations related to the connection of 12 of its employees to the Hamas movement.
This came in response to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini , on Tuesday, to journalists’ questions after his speech before the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Lazzarini added: “I must also emphasize that at the same time I have not received any proven or conclusive information or evidence regarding this allegation.”
Referring to the importance of the aid that donor countries will provide to Gaza, Lazzarini said: “I cannot predict” that these countries will move so quickly to suspend their donations in the wake of the allegations in question.
He stated that he discussed the current situation with the relevant members of the United Nations General Assembly.
He continued: “I also informed the General Assembly today that the agency is facing an intimidation campaign aimed at undermining its credibility,” referring to Israel, which is trying to close UNRWA.
Since January 26, several countries, including the United States and the European Union, have decided to suspend their funding to UNRWA, based on Israel’s allegations that 12 of the agency’s employees participated in the Hamas attack last October 7 on Israeli settlements adjacent to the Gaza Strip.