Australia's foreign minister acknowledged the importance of the organisation, but said a thorough investigation was needed before unfreezing funding.
Australia's foreign minister has spoken of the need to support Palestinian refugees as she looks to unfreeze funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Penny Wong was quizzed about her decision to suspend funding to UNRWA after allegations that some agency staff were involved in the Hamas attack against Israel on 7 October last year. The Australian government paused funding while the claims were investigated.
"Another irrefutable fact is that serious allegations have been raised, which is why the government has paused funding and is engaging with UNRWA and with partners, including in the context of the investigations that have been raised." Wong was questioned about what checks took place before the Palestinian aid package was announced.
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