Six European Countries Join US, Canada, and Australia in Freezing Funds for Palestinian Refugee Agency Amid Allegations of Staff Involvement in Hamas Attacks
London – Several Western nations have decided to suspend funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) after allegations emerged that some of its staff members were involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. The United States, Canada, and Australia were the first to pause their support for the aid agency, and now Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Finland have joined them. UNRWA has been a critical source of assistance for the people in Gaza. The allegations have prompted an investigation by the agency, which has also terminated ties with implicated employees.
The move by the nine nations has raised concerns about the impact on humanitarian work in the region, particularly in Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, expressed shock at the suspension of funds, emphasizing the immediate steps taken by the agency to terminate contracts and conduct a transparent independent investigation. Lazzarini highlighted the detrimental consequences for Palestinians in Gaza, who will be subjected to further collective punishment.
In response to the allegations, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called for the replacement of UNRWA once the conflict in the region subsides. Katz accused the agency of maintaining ties with Islamist militants in Gaza and asserted that agencies dedicated to genuine peace and development should oversee Gaza’s rebuilding efforts.
The Palestinian foreign ministry criticized what it referred to as an Israeli campaign against UNRWA. The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) also expressed concern, stating that cutting support to the agency posed significant political and relief risks. The German foreign ministry, a major donor to UNRWA, welcomed the agency’s investigation, expressing deep concern about the allegations and highlighting the need for a strong message against violence and hatred.
Established to assist refugees from the 1948 war during Israel’s founding, UNRWA provides education, healthcare, and aid services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. It plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance to approximately two-thirds of Gaza’s population. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community awaits the outcome of the investigation into alleged staff involvement in the Hamas attacks.
