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Western Nations Suspend UNRWA Funding Amid Allegations of Staff Involvement in Hamas Attack

Published January 27, 2024
1 years ago

In a move that has drawn sharp criticism from top Palestinian officials and Hamas, several Western nations have suspended funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This decision came in the wake of accusations from Israel that UNRWA staff were implicated in the Hamas-led attacks of October 7. UNRWA has been a lifeline for nearly six million Palestinian refugees since its inception in 1950, providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and social services.


The allegations have prompted swift responses, with the UNRWA opening an investigation and subsequently terminating contracts of certain employees. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, asserted that actions were taken to safeguard the agency's vital humanitarian work.


Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary-General Hussein al-Sheikh spoke out against the funding halt, emphasizing the heightened political and humanitarian risks—especially amidst ongoing aggression against Palestinians. Hamas condemned the pressure from Israel as "threats" and "blackmail," urging the UN and international organizations to resist Israel's demands.


Countries such as Italy, Australia, the United States, and the UK have announced the cessation of financial contributions to UNRWA, with statements highlighting their shock over the agency's implicated staff. They called for rigorous investigations while emphasizing their commitment to Israeli security and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.


The UK has echoed similar sentiments and, alongside Italy, has requested assessments from UNRWA following the severe allegations. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed the agency's proactive measures, announcing a pause in the disbursement of funds pending further deliberations with partners.


Israel has lauded the move by these nations, seeing it as a step towards ending UNRWA’s operations after the conclusion of the Gaza conflict. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz indicated that the country would work internationally to support this policy initiative.


In Canada, International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen disclosed that further funding would be put on hold, conveying the grave nature with which the government views these allegations. Canada's stance remained clear: any confirmed involvement by UNRWA staff in terrorist activities would necessitate immediate and decisive action.


The U.S., which ceased contributions on Friday, awaits complete validation of the claims made against the 12 identified employees. Any UNRWA staff found guilty of terror acts face serious consequences, including potential criminal prosecution—as per Lazzarini.


UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres committed to an expeditious and thorough independent review of UNRWA’s operations. Since the outbreak of the latest conflict on October 7, a staggering number of casualties have been reported from Israeli attacks on Gaza, with at least 26,257 killed and 64,797 wounded. The impact of the funding suspension on UNRWA's ability to support Palestinian refugees during this time of crisis remains a grave concern for advocates of humanitarian relief.



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