US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Monday that Washington will carefully study the steps taken by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) to respond to what Blinken described as “deeply disturbing” allegations of the participation of its employees in the October 7 attack on Israel. 

Washington said that it would temporarily suspend additional funding directed to UNRWA after Israel provided information alleging the participation of some UNRWA employees in the attack. Blinken said in a joint press conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg: “It is necessary for UNRWA to immediately investigate as it said, hold those responsible accountable, and review its procedures.”

“Real hope”

Blinken also expressed hope of reaching an agreement to stop the fighting in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages, after talks in Paris in which the director of the CIA and Qatar participated.

“Very important and constructive work has been accomplished,” Blinken said. “There is some real hope as we move forward.”

Gains at risk

The US Secretary of State warned that the field gains achieved by Ukraine against Russia would be at risk if Congress did not approve new aid to Kiev.

“Without it (aid), simply put, everything the Ukrainians have achieved and what we helped them achieve will be in jeopardy,” Blinken said.