Several Western nations have suspended funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), prompting worries about the humanitarian situation for millions of Palestinians reliant on its services.
The United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland, Australia, Canada, and Japan have halted their contributions following allegations that 12 UNRWA employees may have been involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas. UNRWA provides essential assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and neighboring regions.
Nine UNRWA staff members have been dismissed, and investigations are ongoing regarding the remaining individuals. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described the funding suspension as a “collective punishment” against Palestinian civilians who depend on the agency for basic needs.
“The decision undermines our capacity to deliver vital services to a population already in dire need,” Lazzarini stated. UNRWA’s operations are chiefly funded by voluntary donations from UN member states, with the United States being the largest contributor.
Humanitarian organizations and Arab nations have criticized the funding freeze. Nearly two dozen relief groups have condemned the move by Western donors, labeling it “irresponsible.” The Arab League warned that the suspension would exacerbate the hardships faced by Palestinians.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark have appealed to the donor countries to reinstate funding. “Withholding critical aid at this time amounts to collective punishment and will only deepen the humanitarian crisis,” Guterres emphasized.
The suspension comes amid increasing tensions in the region, with over 26,000 Palestinians reported to have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. The international community is urged to consider the humanitarian implications of funding decisions on vulnerable populations.
Reference(s):
Western irresponsibility in the human rights protection of Gazans
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