U.N. Agency Faces Funding Pause from Major Donors Amid Escalating Scandal

Germany, Britain, and ⁤several other countries have decided to suspend funding for‍ the United Nations Relief​ and Works Agency (UNRWA) in response to ⁢allegations that some of its employees were​ involved in attacks against Israel. The United States, the largest donor⁢ to the agency, has also decided to withhold funding while reviewing the allegations. ⁣The Israeli military has accused UNRWA employees ⁢of using the⁢ agency’s facilities for⁤ terrorist purposes, leading to the suspension of funding by multiple countries. UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, has⁣ called the⁢ suspension “collective punishment“⁣ for Gaza and warned of the adverse effects on its humanitarian assistance program. Despite the allegations, some⁤ donor countries, such as Ireland and Norway, have expressed support for UNRWA’s work. The situation remains complex and contentious, with the future of UNRWA’s funding uncertain. ‌For more ‌information,⁤ you can read the full article on The New York Times.