US calls for changes before resuming UNRWA funding

The United States representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, confirmed that Washington needs to see "fundamental changes" before resuming its funding for UNRWA.

The statement comes after Israeli accusations that some of the agency’s employees were involved in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. The accusations have already led to other countries stopping funding UNRWA.

Thomas-Greenfield welcomed the organisation's decision to conduct an investigation and review the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

She said, “We need to look at the organisation’s activities and how it operates in Gaza, how it manages its staff, and ensure that people who commit criminal acts, like these 12 individuals, are held accountable so that UNRWA can continue the important work it does.”