"UNRWA Faces Funding Crisis Amid Allegations of Staff Links to Hamas"

Several countries, including Japan and Austria, have halted funding to UNRWA, the largest UN agency operating in Gaza, following allegations of some staff's involvement in the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel. UNRWA has expressed desperation, stating that humanitarian needs in Gaza are rapidly increasing, with over 26,000 people killed and 1.7 million displaced. The agency has terminated staff implicated in the allegations, but UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to donor countries to ensure the continuity of UNRWA's operations. The funding suspension could have serious repercussions on the largest humanitarian operation in Gaza, as the agency warns it may not be able to continue operations beyond February.