Several Western countries, including Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Italy, Finland, and the United Kingdom, have suspended their funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
This decision came after Israel accused several UNRWA employees of involvement in the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep concern and announced a temporary pause in funding, awaiting the results of UNRWA’s investigation and actions taken, including terminating contracts.
Canada’s International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen also announced a temporary pause in funding, emphasizing a thorough investigation into the allegations. Italy and Finland followed suit, suspending funding in response to the attack on Israel.
The UK, appalled by the allegations, announced a temporary pause in future funding while reviewing the concerning reports of UNRWA staff involvement in the Hamas attack.
These moves align with the United States’ decision to halt its funding to UNRWA on Friday, citing allegations against 12 employees possibly involved in the Hamas attack that triggered the Gaza war.
UNRWA responded by terminating several employees accused by Israel, and its head, Philippe Lazzarini, pledged to hold accountable any employee involved in acts of terror, including criminal prosecution. UN chief Antonio Guterres committed to conducting an urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA.
Despite the funding suspensions, Wong acknowledged UNRWA’s vital, life-saving work, providing essential services in Gaza to over 1.4 million Palestinians sheltering in its facilities.