The UK will halt funding to the UN's relief agency in Gaza following allegations some members were involved in Hamas' October 7 attack.

On Friday, "several" employees were sacked after Israel claimed that 12 employees were involved in the offensive last year, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

The suspension comes after the US, Italy, Australia and Canada all also paused additional funding for the UN aid agency.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "The UK is appalled by allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism that the UK Government has repeatedly condemned.

"The UK is temporarily pausing any future funding of UNRWA whilst we review these concerning allegations.

"We remain committed to getting humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza who desperately need it."

Finland also confirmed it would stop funding after the FCDO's announcement.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said the decision to sack the staffers was taken "to protect the agency's ability to deliver humanitarian assistance".