UN chief vows, any UN worker involved in terrorist acts will be punished

Jerusalem:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres vowed on Sunday to hold “any UN staff involved in terrorist acts” accountable after allegations that some refugee agency staff were involved in Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.

But Guterres urged governments to continue supporting the United Nations Refugee Agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) after nine countries halted funding.

Any UN staff involved in terrorist acts will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” the UN chief said in a statement. “The Secretariat stands ready to cooperate with the competent authority capable of prosecuting individuals in accordance with the Secretariat’s normal procedures for such cooperation.”

At the same time, he said, “the thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many of whom are in some of the most dangerous conditions for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized for the desperate populations they serve. His dire needs must be met.” meet.”

In his first direct comments on the issue, the UN chief gave details about UNRWA staff implicated in “despicable alleged acts. He said that of the 12 accused, nine have been dismissed, one has been confirmed dead and the identity of the other two is being clarified.

Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland on Saturday joined the United States, Australia and Canada in blocking funding to the aid agency, a vital source of support for people in Gaza, following Israel’s accusations.

Guterres said, “While I understand their concerns – I myself was horrified by these allegations – I strongly appeal to the governments that suspended their contributions to at least guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s operations.” Is.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini struck a sharp tone, saying, “It would be deeply irresponsible to impose sanctions on an agency and the entire community it serves because of allegations of criminal acts against a few individuals, especially in times of war, displacement and political crisis.” ” Area. ,

In a statement he urged countries to reconsider the funding suspension. The lives of the people in Gaza and regional stability depend on this support,” Lazzarini said.

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