Britain, Germany, Italy, among others pause funds for UN Palestinian agency

UNRWA funding suspended by six European nations following Israel’s allegations of staff involvement in Hamas attacks

Six European nations, including Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland, have suspended their funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

This decision follows allegations of staff involvement in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

These countries join the United States, Australia and Canada in withholding funds from the agency, which has been crucial for supporting Gaza’s population.

UNRWA was established to assist refugees from the 1948 war at Israel’s founding and plays a significant role in providing education, health, and aid services across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

Approximately two-thirds of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents depend on its aid, which has been particularly vital during the war launched by Israel after Hamas’ October attacks.

The UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, expressed dismay over the funding suspension, describing it as “collective punishment” that stains all involved parties.

Lazzarini highlighted the agency’s swift response to the allegations, including terminating the contracts of the implicated staff and initiating an independent investigation.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry and Hamas have condemned the funding suspension, labeling it a response to an Israeli campaign against UNRWA.

According to Hussein al-Sheikh, head of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the cessation of funds poses severe political and humanitarian risks.

He urged the concerned countries to reverse their decision immediately.

Source: Newsroom