Responding to an announcement by the UK government that it was “pausing” its financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency over Israeli allegations that 12 of the agency’s employees were involved in the 7 October attacks in Israel, Kristyan Benedict, Amnesty International UK’s Crisis Response Manager, said:

“This is a terrible decision and should be reversed immediately - UNRWA has already said it’s urgently investigating these claims.

“UNRWA is desperately trying to assist Palestinian civilians facing famine and disease in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing bombardment and blockade, and it’s these civilians who’ll be punished by the UK’s decision.

“Coming soon after the Government’s spurious criticism of the ICJ genocide case, it looks like the UK is again prioritising its diplomatic and business relationships with Israel and with the United States over the catastrophic plight of the Palestinian people.”