New Zealand suspends funding to embattled UN agency in Gaza

New Zealand suspends funding to embattled UN agency in Gaza

New Zealand on Jan 30 joined the list of countries that have suspended funding to the embattled UN Palestinian refugee agency, following Israeli allegations that some of the agency staff participated in the Oct 7 Hamas attack.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand has paused funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) until the allegations are investigated.

The agency has fired several employees over Israel’s accusations and promised a thorough investigation into the claims, which were not specified. Israel has vowed to stop the agency’s work in Gaza after the war.

“The allegations are incredibly serious. It’s important they are properly understood and investigated,” Mr Luxon told reporters.

New Zealand will not “be making any further contributions” to UNRWA until Foreign Minister Winston Peters “says it’s good to do so”, Mr Luxon added.

The United States, Australia, Britain, Japan and Germany are among the other countries to have already suspended funding to UNRWA, which has been at the heart of humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

Mr Luxon said New Zealand had been providing UNRWA with about NZ$1 million (S$822,000) in yearly funding.

The European Union on Jan 29 demanded an “urgent” audit of the UN Palestinian refugee agency and is also reviewing funding. (AFP)