In the midst of the conflict between Israel and Gaza, Canada has declared its intention to recommence financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This decision follows the withdrawal of aid by several nations, prompted by Israel’s accusations against numerous agency employees in Gaza, alleging their involvement in a Hamas attack on October 7, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen, in a statement on Friday, announced the government’s decision to “reinstate its funding to UNRWA, enabling more robust responses to the pressing needs of Palestinian civilians.” The move comes after substantial criticism for the cessation of assistance during the conflict in Gaza. UNRWA promptly terminated the implicated employees and initiated an investigation into the allegations, deeming them “shocking” and “serious.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed an independent panel to further probe the matter.
Notably, Israel did not furnish substantial evidence to substantiate its accusations. Canadian broadcaster CBC News, in early February, reported that Canada had not received any intelligence supporting the claim before deciding to cut funding.
The decision to halt funding for UNRWA, heavily dependent on government contributions for operations in Palestinian territories, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, prompted immediate concern and calls from rights advocates for reconsideration.
In a parallel development, Sweden has announced its intention to resume aid to the financially strained UN agency for Palestinians. The initial disbursement amounts to USD 20 million, with assurances of enhanced scrutiny on spending and personnel, as reported by The Times of Israel.
“The government has earmarked 400 million kronor for UNRWA in 2024. Today’s resolution pertains to an initial payment of 200 million kronor,” stated the Swedish government. UNRWA agreed to undergo “controls, independent audits, reinforced internal supervision, and additional personnel checks” to facilitate the aid release. UNRWA stands as a crucial agency delivering vital humanitarian supplies to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where sustained Israeli bombardment and siege have resulted in over 30,000 casualties, widespread hunger, and disease.
Humanitarian organizations had cautioned that discontinuing UNRWA funding would have severe consequences for Gaza’s Palestinians and urged donor nations to reverse their decisions. Since then, the situation in the Strip has further deteriorated, with ongoing Israeli military assaults leading to the tragic deaths of approximately a dozen Palestinian children in recent weeks due to a lack of food and water, according to health authorities in the coastal enclave.