In a decisive move, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced the termination of nine out of the 12 United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) staff members implicated in the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel, as reported by CNN. Two staff members’ identities are still unknown, and one staff member’s death was reported.
Underscoring the gravity of the accusations, Guterres promised prompt action, stating that an independent review and an ongoing probe were underway. Emphasizing the accountability of any UN employee involved in acts of terror, he stated that criminal prosecution could be a possibility.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Guterres urged countries to continue financial assistance to UNRWA, highlighting the vital support it provides to 2 million Gazans for their daily survival. He warned that the current funding level would fall short of meeting all requirements to support the population in February, according to CNN.
The termination of the implicated staff members signals a strong commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the UN, even as it grapples with the fallout from the alleged involvement of its personnel in the Hamas attack.
Image Source: edition.cnn.com
