Global Donors Halt Funding To UN Agency In Gaza Amid Allegations Of Staff Involvement In Attacks

Global Donors Halt Funding To UN Agency In Gaza Amid Allegations Of Staff Involvement In Attacks

Several key donor countries to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees have announced the suspension of their funding following accusations by Israel that some UNRWA staff were involved in an attack by Hamas on October 7…..CONTINUE READING

UNRWA has taken action by terminating contracts and initiating a thorough investigation into the allegations, which have not been specified. Israel has expressed its intent to cease the agency’s work in Gaza after the incident.

Here is what some of the countries that have suspended funding are saying about the allegations:

• Australia: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced a temporary pause in funding, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.
• Canada: Canada’s International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen declared a temporary pause in additional funding to UNRWA pending a comprehensive investigation.
• Finland: Finland, a regular donor to UNRWA, has suspended its payments, stressing the importance of an independent and thorough investigation.
• Germany: Germany, in coordination with other donor countries, has decided to suspend funding until the allegations are cleared up.
• Italy: Italy has joined the ranks of countries suspending funding, expressing its commitment to providing humanitarian aid while ensuring Israel’s security.
• Switzerland: Switzerland, a significant annual contributor, will withhold a decision on its 2024 payment until the accusations are clarified, emphasizing zero tolerance for support to terrorism.
• The Netherlands: The Dutch government has frozen funding while the investigation is ongoing, expressing shock over the accusations.
• United Kingdom: The British government, appalled by the allegations, will temporarily pause future funding while conducting a review of the claims.
• United Nations: UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, has vowed accountability, including criminal prosecution, for any staff found involved in acts of terror. UN chief Antonio Guterres pledged an urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA.

The United States had initially suspended payments, calling for complete accountability, but has been removed from the list in this revised version.