The European Commission said on Monday it will “review” its support to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, following allegations several of its staff members were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel.However, the EU does not foresee any additional funding for UNRWA until the end of February.
UNRWA, which supports six million Palestinian refugees, is the main humanitarian provider in Gaza under Israeli bombardment.
The US, Germany and Switzerland have suspended funding to UNRWA following the allegations. Norway, one of the top donors, urged fellow donor countries to reflect on the wider consequences of the funding cuts.
In the beginning of the week Canada suspended all funding to UNRWA, in response to allegations that its staff played a role in the Hamas attack.
But yesterday Canada decided to send $40 million in aid to organizations. That came after international outcry when the agency’s director fired staff members suspected of being involved in the attack. The funding will go to groups including the World Food Program, UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Canada has committed $100 million to humanitarian aid in Gaza so far. *
Israel’s recent allegations towards UNRWA employees surfaced the same day as the ICJ’s interim ruling ordering Israel to prevent genocidal acts and scale up aid to Gaza.
*Source: City News Canada
