Italy suspends funding to UN Agency for Palestinian refugees

Italy suspends financial support to U.N. agency following accusations that multiple staff members were involved in the initial Hamas attack

Italy on Saturday joined several other nations in suspending financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in the wake of accusations by Israel. The Israeli government claims that multiple UNRWA staff members were involved in the Oct. 7 attack carried out by Hamas.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the decision on Saturday, stating, “The Italian government has suspended financing UNRWA after the atrocious Hamas attack on Oct. 7.” This move aligns with decisions made by other allied countries, with a shared commitment to providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population while safeguarding Israel’s security.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, declared on Saturday that his country aims to halt UNRWA’s operations in Gaza post-war. Katz emphasized the goal of ensuring that “UNRWA will not be a part of the day after” and expressed intentions to seek support from the U.S., the European Union, and other major donors to the agency.

Reacting to Israeli threats against UNRWA, the Palestinian militant group Hamas urged the U.N. and international organizations not to succumb to “threats and blackmail.” UNRWA had announced on Friday the dismissal of several employees accused by Israel of involvement in the Oct. 7 attack, leading to the suspension of critical funding by the U.S.

Israel initiated a relentless bombardment and siege of Gaza following the unprecedented Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, resulting in approximately 1,140 deaths in Israel. 

As Israel vows to eradicate Hamas, Gaza’s health ministry reports that the Israeli military offensive has resulted in at least 26,083 casualties, with about 70% of them being women and children.

Source: AFP