UK pauses funding to UN agency over claims staff involved in Hamas attack

The UK will temporarily pause funding to the UN's relief agency in Gaza over claims members were involved in Hamas' attack on Israel.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said on Friday it sacked "several" employees over accusations by Israel that 12 employees were involved in the October 7 attack.

It said it was "appalled" by the claims, adding, "We remain committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who desperately need it."

The UK's decision comes after the US, Italy, Australia, and Canada all also suspended additional funding for the UN aid agency.

Finland also announced it would suspend funding after the FCDO's announcement.

In the wake of the allegations, the Foreign Office says it is "temporarily pausing any future funding of UNRWA whilst we review these concerning allegations."

In a statement from the Department of State, the US said it was "extremely troubled" by the allegations, and noted it has "temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA while we review these allegations and the steps the United Nations is taking to address them".

It added: "There must be complete accountability for anyone who participated in the heinous attacks of October 7."

UNRWA, established in 1949 following the first Arab-Israeli war, has repeatedly said throughout Israel's war on Hamas that its ability to provide humanitarian aid to people in Gaza is on the verge of collapse.

Authorities, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have previously accused the agency of fuelling anti-Israeli sentiment, which it denies.