Chief of UN aid agency in Gaza calls EU funds ‘absolutely critical’ but the bloc wants an audit

By LORNE COOK
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — The head of the U.N. agency delivering most aid to Gaza says it’s vital that it receives new European Union funding within weeks. Divisions among EU countries risk delaying the payment. The aid agency, UNRWA, has been the main supplier of food, water and shelter during Israel’s war against Hamas. But it’s reeling from allegations that 12 staff members participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. More than a dozen countries suspended funding as a result. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said on Monday that “it’s absolutely critical” for the agency to get an 82 million-euro ($88-million) payment from the EU by March. U.N. investigations are underway, but the EU wants to do an audit.