Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA commissioner-general, condemned the actions of a growing number of countries to cut off funding to the agency.
Lazzarini said the suspension of funding was “shocking,” especially since the agency had taken “immediate action” to terminate the contracts of accused staff and investigate the allegations.
In addition, it would be “immensely irresponsible” to sanction the agency and those it serves “because of allegations of criminal acts against some individuals,” according to him.
The US, UK, Canada, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Australia and the Netherlands announced the suspension of funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency.
