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AAP
Ben McKay

New Zealand unclear on further aid for Gaza

Chris Luxon won't give NZ's pledge to Gaza until the results of a probe into the UN's relief agency. (Ben McKay/AAP PHOTOS)

New Zealand's commitment to humanitarian support for war-stricken Gaza is unclear in the wake of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency controversy.

Recent reports have uncovered alleged links between several employees at UNRWA, the international agency which supports Palestinian refugees, and Hamas.

While the UN investigates the damaging allegations, several countries - including Australia and the United States - have pulled support for the critical body.

New Zealand, which gives $NZ1 million ($A930,000) annually to UNRWA, is not due to make its yearly contribution until June.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon said NZ would not give its pledged offer unless the UN probe reassured him it was "a good organisation".

"It's important that they are properly understood and investigated," he said.

"These allegations are incredibly serious".

UNRWA provides much-needed healthcare and education to millions of Palestinians in the region, including the occupied territories of Gaza and the West Bank.

Former prime minister Helen Clark, who later served as a senior UN figure, implored nations not to cut aid to civilians during the investigation.

"Stopping the funding is very unwise," she told TVNZ.

"This is the major humanitarian delivery arm into the Gaza Strip (and) the major humanitarian and development agency serving Palestinian refugees."

The UNRWA allegations have shown a spotlight on NZ's support for victims of the conflict - or lack of it.

It made contributions totaling $NZ10 million ($A9.3 million) towards victims of violence in the region - both in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories - in October and November.

Those decisions were made while the Labour government was in caretaker provisions, before Mr Luxon's government took office on November 27.

In the two months since, the death toll in Gaza has doubled to about 26,000 people. 

Hundreds of thousands more have been displaced, with Israeli attacks killing dozens daily.

The government acknowledges the need to give more, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters saying in December "the human cost of the conflict is horrific" and support was needed "urgently".

Despite those comments, the government has not made pledges in its time in office.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman David Parker said more funding was required.

"Eighty-five per cent of the population is displaced. Hepatitis is spreading due to unsafe water and sanitation," he said.

"The need is pressing in Gaza. All countries need to do more and that includes New Zealand."

Mr Luxon said he was "always open for the conversation" to give more. 

"If there's more need, we'll continue to do that. We'll entertain any serious offers that come through from foreign affairs," he said.

Mr Peters said he was "assessing things on an ongoing basis according to international requirements as well as having regards to our economy".

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