UNWRA had previously announced that several employees were terminated over new information it had been provided from Israel that revealed the connection between UNRWA employees and the attack.
"Any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution," Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA commissioner-general, said in a Friday press release.
The Biden administration responded that the allegations will not be taken lightly.
"The United States is extremely troubled by the allegations that twelve UNRWA employees may have been involved in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel," US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. "The Department of State has temporarily paused additional funding for UNRWA while we review these allegations and the steps the United Nations is taking to address them."
"UNRWA plays a critical role in providing lifesaving assistance to Palestinians, including essential food, medicine, shelter, and other vital humanitarian support," said Miller. "Their work has saved lives, and it is important that UNRWA address these allegations and take any appropriate corrective measures, including reviewing its existing policies and procedures."
Representative Mike Waltz wrote on X: "This rot is deep and the U.S. should immediately pause all funding to UNRWA until an independent investigation is carried out."
