Italy, Australia, the United States and Canada suspended aid after Israel accused UNRWA officials of involvement in the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Palestinian officials and Hamas have criticized the decision by some Western countries to cut funding to the United Nations relief agency for Palestinians, calling for an immediate reversal of the move, which carries “huge” risks.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) earlier announced that it had opened an investigation into some of its staff who it alleges was involved in the October 7 attack that triggered the current conflict.
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Secretary-General Hussein al-Sheikh said on Saturday that the countries' decisions “carry great risks for political and humanitarian relief.”
“At this particular time, and in view of the continued attacks on the Palestinian people, we need our utmost support to this international organization and we will not stop supporting and supporting it,” he said. , urging countries to “immediately rescind their decisions.” ”.
We call on the countries that have announced the suspension of support. #UNRWA In view of the continued attacks against Palestinians, as at this particular time, decisions with great risks for political and humanitarian relief must be immediately reversed… https://t.co/mxIam0zmZs
— Hussein Sheikhpl (@HusseinSheikhpl) January 27, 2024
Italy, Australia, Canada and the United States announced that they would suspend funding to the agency, while European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the 27 member states would “follow the results of a full and comprehensive investigation. We will assess further measures and draw lessons.” ”.
After Israel accused several UNRWA officials of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel, which authorities said killed about 1,140 people, Hamas on Saturday announced that it was threatening Israel's “threats” against the agency. ” was criticized.
“We call on the United Nations and international organizations not to give in to threats and intimidation from Israel,” the Hamas Press Office said in a Telegram post.
UNRWA announced on Friday that it had fired several staff members and launched an investigation into the allegations.
“Israeli authorities have provided UNRWA with information regarding the alleged involvement of several UNRWA personnel in the horrific attack on Israel on October 7,” said UNRWA Executive Director Philippe Lazzarini.
“To protect the agency's ability to provide humanitarian assistance, I have taken the decision to immediately terminate the contracts of these employees and launch an investigation to uncover the truth without delay.”
aid freeze
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Taggiani said on Saturday that Italy would join its allies in cutting aid to Italian government institutions.
“Our allies have made a similar decision. We remain committed to providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people while protecting the security of Israel,” he posted on X.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was “deeply concerned” by the allegations against UNRWA.
“We are speaking with our partners and will temporarily suspend disbursements of recent funds,” she wrote to X.
“We welcome UNRWA’s immediate actions, including terminating the contract and launching an investigation, as well as the recent announcement of a full investigation into the allegations against the organization,” she added.
Israel has praised countries that have suspended support for the UN agency, which it hopes will cease operations completely once the war in Gaza ends.
Applauds the US government's decision to defund @UNRWA After it was revealed that some of its employees were involved in a heinous massacre in January 2016. #October 7th.
We've been warning you for years. @UNRWA Perpetuating the refugee problem, disrupting peace,…
— Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) January 27, 2024
Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Israel “aims to pursue a policy that addresses other factors and ensures that UNRWA does not join the next day.”
“We will work to gain bipartisan support in the United States, the European Union, and other countries around the world for this policy aimed at halting UNRWA's operations in Gaza,” he said. Stated.
independent investigation
Canada's International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen announced Friday that Ottawa has “temporarily suspended additional funding to UNRWA while we conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations.”
“Canada takes these reports extremely seriously and is working closely with UNRWA and other donors on this issue,” he wrote to X.
“If the allegations prove accurate, Canada expects UNRWA to take immediate action against those determined to have been involved in Hamas terrorist attacks.”
The United States suspended funding to UNRWA on Friday, citing allegations against 12 personnel who “may have been involved” in the Hamas attack.
Lazzarini did not specify the number of staff or the details of their alleged involvement, but said “UNRWA personnel involved in acts of terrorism” would be held accountable, including criminal prosecution.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has promised an “urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA”.
Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7 have left at least 26,257 people dead and 64,797 injured.
