Roughly six Western countries have suspended funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) following Israeli allegations against UNRWA staff. Created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949.
Western countries that have taken action against the U.N. agency so far include the United States, Britain, Italy, Australia, Canada and Finland.
Notably, on Friday (January 26), UNRWA Secretary-General Philippe Lazzarini announced that Israel had accused more than a dozen UNRWA officials of involvement in the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas. revealed. He added that the agency has terminated the contracts of these employees and launched an investigation into the matter.
On Friday, an adviser to the Israeli prime minister said the Oct. 7 Hamas attack “involved people carrying out a mission.” [UNRWA] Salary,” the BBC reported.
Mark Regev said there was information indicating that teachers working in UNRWA schools “openly celebrated” the October 7 terrorist attack.
He also mentioned an Israeli hostage who he said was “held in the home of someone who worked for UNRWA” after being released from Hamas captivity.
He added: “They have a union controlled by Hamas. I think it’s time for the UN to investigate the relationship between UNRWA and Hamas.”
The serious allegations leveled by Israel caused a domino effect among UNRWA’s funders, including the United States, its largest funder.
Huge reaction from UNRWA donors who announced suspension of funding to UNRWA
Earlier, the US State Department announced that it would stop providing additional funding to UN agencies. The ministry added that it was “deeply troubled” by allegations that UN staff were also involved in the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.
The European Union said it would assess further action “based on the results of a full and comprehensive investigation.”
Following the United States, Canada also announced a suspension of funding to United Nations agencies.
Canada’s International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen told X: “Canada unequivocally condemns the October 7 attack on Israel. I am deeply concerned by the allegations regarding some UNRWA personnel. has been directed to suspend all additional funding to UNRWA pending the outcome of the investigation.”