UN human rights experts condemned in the "strongest possible terms" any attempts to "delegitimize" the Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA.

Several countries suspended their funding to the organization last week, in response to Israeli allegations that a dozen staff members were involved in the  October 7 attacks on southern Israel, The Arab News reported. 

"The grossly disproportionate decision to suspend funding by some of the largest donor states defies the basic principle of humanity, and goes against states’ commitment to leave no one behind," the UN experts said in a statement.

"Denying basic human necessities, life-saving medical care, food, shelter, and antenatal care for pregnant women, is not just indefensible – it is a hindrance to the already complex journey toward peace," they added.

The agency employs over 13,000 people in Gaza alone and provides vital services to the Palestinian territory's population.

UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese warned last week that the suspension of aid based on the alleged actions of a handful of employees could be considered collective punishment and a violation of the Genocide Convention.