Israel says Britain and other countries are ‘actively’ helping Hamas by funding UNRWA

UK and other countries funding Palestine charity UNRWA The Israeli government said these men were “actively aiding” a terrorist organization.

World leaders on Monday condemned the Israeli parliament’s decision to ban the UN body over its links to Hamas, with Sir Keir Starmer warning the move would risk “endangering the international humanitarian response in Gaza”.

But Benjamin Netanyahu’s government says the ban is legitimate because Hamas “infiltrated” the organizationHe said he would continue to allow other international organizations that coordinate international aid to the Palestinians to assist in relief efforts.

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer told reporters at a briefing that “well-intentioned international countries” were among those donating to UNRWA, but warned that “taxpayers’ hard-earned money” they believed was being used for “ordinary Gazans” was being used for other purposes. is allocated incorrectly.

He added: “A state that continues to fund UNRWA is actively aiding a terrorist organization that is damaging the region and its future.”

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Mr Mencer said UNRWA was “infected with terrorism” and “tainted by terrorism and perpetuates conflict”.

Israel accused UNRWA staff of colluding with Hamas; this includes allegations that 19 workers from the organization participated in the October 7 attacks.

A UN investigation into UNRWA’s links to Hamas resulted in the dismissal of nine staff.

England was among the few countries suspend funding via links earlier this yearbut Sir Keir’s government returned the money after winning the election in July.

Sir Keir wrote to xformerly Twitter: “The UNRWA bills passing Israel’s Knesset are extremely worrying.

“This risks jeopardizing the international humanitarian response in Gaza.

“We need an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. “Israel must ensure that adequate aid reaches civilians in Gaza.”

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We will continue to work with our international partners, and indeed the United Nations, to ensure that UNRWA can continue its vital activities.

“Ultimately, UNRWA is mandated by the Security Council and its ongoing activities are consistent with Security Council resolutions.”

Foreign Secretary Anneliese Dodds told MPs that threatening UNRWA’s mandate was “unacceptable” and “completely counterproductive to Israel”.

Referring to the humanitarian impact of the ban, he warned that “there will be very serious consequences if UNRWA’s work is actually hindered”.

Asked by Labor MP Clive Betts whether the government would impose further sanctions on Israel following the UK’s partial arms embargo on arms sales to Tel Aviv last month, Ms Dodds said: “As for sanctions, there will be no sanctions.” “The UK Government is explaining exactly what it is doing about appropriate and appropriate sanctions, and we will always keep our sanctions policies under review, as this House expects.”