Western Nations Suspend UNRWA Funding, Drawing Criticism from Palestinians
In a move that has sparked controversy and criticism, several Western nations, including Australia, Germany, the UK, and the US, have decided to suspend their funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This decision comes in the wake of allegations by Israel that some UNRWA staff members were involved in the October 7 attacks attributed to Hamas.
The UNRWA(Western Nations Suspend UNRWA Funding)
The UNRWA, responsible for providing crucial aid and support to Palestinian refugees, expressed shock and concern over the suspension of funds. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that the decision poses a significant threat to humanitarian work in the region, particularly in Gaza. He urged the countries that have frozen funding to reconsider their decisions, emphasizing the potential risk of mass starvation in Gaza.
Palestinian officials, including top representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and the militant group Hamas, have strongly criticized the decision. PLO Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh pointed out that, considering the ongoing aggression against the Palestinian people, maximum support for international organizations like UNRWA is crucial. He called for an immediate reversal of the funding suspension, emphasizing the political and humanitarian risks involved.
Australia, Canada, Italy, and the United States were among the first to announce the halt of funding to UNRWA. The European Union (EU) also weighed in, with foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stating that the bloc would assess further steps based on the results of a full and comprehensive investigation into the allegations.