United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called a meeting with UNRWA's top donor countries today after 15 countries, including Italy, temporarily suspended funding to the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees amid allegations that at least 12 of its staff were in involved in the pogroms of October 7th in various capacities. “The Secretary-General is personally appalled by the allegations against UNRWA staff. However, his message to donors, especially those who have suspended their contributions, is that, given the number of tens of thousands, they at least continue to ensure the continuity of UNRWA operations.” “There is a dedicated workforce in every part of the region,” Guterres said -Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, quoted by the Guardian. And that's why the Secretary General will “host a meeting with major donors this afternoon local time here in New York,” he added. Guterres already met yesterday with US representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and spoke on the issue with some Middle Eastern leaders, including King Abdullah of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
