Italy, Australia, the United States and Canada suspend support after Israel accused UNRWA staff of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Senior Palestinian officials and Hamas have criticized the decision by some Western countries to suspend funding to the United Nations aid agency for the Palestinians and have called for an immediate reversal of the “great” risk measure.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) earlier said it had opened an investigation into some employees who Israel alleges were involved in the October 7 attacks that sparked the current conflict. .
On Saturday, Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh said the countries' decision “involves great political and humanitarian aid risks.”
“At this particular moment and in light of the continued aggression against the Palestinian people, we need maximum support for this international organization and not stop providing it with support and assistance,” he wrote in X, urging countries to “immediately reverse their decision.” . ”.
We call on the countries that announced the end of their support to #UNRWA immediately reverse its decision, which implies great political and humanitarian aid risks, as at this particular moment and in light of the continued aggression against the Palestinians…
— حسين الشيخ Hussein AlSheikh (@HusseinSheikhpl) January 27, 2024
Italy, Australia, Canada and the United States said they would suspend funding to the agency, while European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the 27-member bloc would “evaluate new measures and draw lessons based on the outcome.” of a complete and exhaustive investigation. ”.
Hamas on Saturday criticized Israeli “threats” against the agency, after Israel accused several UNRWA staff of being involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel that authorities there say They killed about 1,140 people.
“We ask the UN and international organizations not to give in to threats and blackmail” from Israel, the Hamas press office said in a message on Telegram.
On Friday, UNRWA said it had fired several employees and opened an investigation into the allegations.
“Israeli authorities have provided UNRWA with information regarding the alleged involvement of several UNRWA employees in the horrific attacks against Israel on October 7,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.
“To protect the agency's ability to provide humanitarian assistance, I have made the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these staff members and launch an investigation to establish the truth without delay.”
Freezing of aid
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Saturday that his country would join its allies and cut its support for the agency.
“Allied countries have made a similar decision. “We are committed to providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population while protecting Israel’s security,” he posted on X.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was “deeply concerned” by the allegations against UNRWA.
“We are speaking with partners and will temporarily suspend the disbursement of recent funds,” he wrote on X.
“We welcome UNRWA's immediate response, including terminating contracts and launching an investigation, as well as its recent announcement of a full investigation into allegations against the organization,” he added.
Israel praised countries for ending support for the U.N. agency and said it wants to completely stop its operations once the war in Gaza is over.
Congratulate the US government on its decision to suspend funding to @OOPS after it was revealed that some of its employees were involved in the heinous massacre in #October 7.
We have been warning for years: @OOPS perpetuates the refugee issue, obstructs peace and serves as…
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) January 27, 2024
Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Israel “aims to promote a policy that ensures UNRWA is not part of the day after, addressing other contributing factors.”
“We will work to build bipartisan support in the United States, the European Union and other nations globally for this policy to stop UNRWA activities in Gaza,” he said.
Independent investigation
Canada's International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen announced Friday that Ottawa had “temporarily paused any additional funding to UNRWA while it conducts a thorough investigation into these allegations.”
“Canada is taking these reports very seriously and is working closely with UNRWA and other donors on this issue,” he wrote in X.
“If the allegations prove to be true, Canada expects UNRWA to act immediately against those determined to have been involved in Hamas terrorist attacks.”
The United States on Friday suspended funding to UNRWA over allegations against 12 employees who “may have been involved” in the Hamas attack.
Lazzarini did not reveal the number of employees or the nature of their alleged involvement, but said that “any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terrorism” would be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.
UN chief Antonio Guterres has committed to an “urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA”.
At least 26,257 people have been killed and 64,797 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7.
