“Israeli authorities have provided UNRWA with information about the suspected involvement of several of its employees in the attacks,” UNRWA CEO Philippe Lazzarini said in a press release. “To protect the agency’s ability to deliver humanitarian aid, I have decided to immediately terminate their contracts and open an investigation to uncover the truth without delay.”
The United States had previously indicated that it would “temporarily suspend” its future funding for the UN agency because of those allegations. In a press release, the US Department of State reported the suspected involvement of 12 UNRWA employees.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was informed of the allegations and is shocked, his spokesman said.