Canada and Sweden Resume UNRWA Funding After Suspension Due to Terror Allegations Against Staff

Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Canada has decided to reinstate its financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), following a temporary halt. This halt came after Israel accused numerous UNRWA staff members in Gaza of participating in a Hamas-led assault on October 7, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Canadian International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen announced on Friday that Canada would renew its contributions to UNRWA to better address the immediate needs of Palestinian civilians. This move comes in the wake of significant backlash for suspending aid amidst the conflict in Gaza. UNRWA dismissed the implicated employees and launched an investigation into the grave allegations, which were also followed by an independent inquiry initiated by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Despite Israel’s claims, they have yet to present solid proof, and CBC News reported in early February that Canada had not received any intelligence to support the accusations prior to the funding suspension.

The initial cessation of funds to UNRWA, which depends on donations from countries to operate in the occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, sparked immediate concern among human rights advocates who called for a reassessment of the decision.

Furthermore, following reassurances of enhanced scrutiny over its expenditures and staffing, Sweden also announced on Saturday its intention to resume financial aid to UNRWA with an initial contribution of USD 20 million, as stated by The Times of Israel. The Swedish government has committed 400 million kronor to UNRWA for 2024, with the current decision about an initial allocation of 200 million kronor. UNRWA agreed to implement additional oversight measures, including independent audits and stricter personnel checks, to facilitate the release of funds.

UNRWA plays a vital role in delivering essential humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, where the ongoing Israeli offensive has resulted in over 30,000 casualties, exacerbating the dire conditions of hunger and disease. Humanitarian organizations had previously cautioned that withholding UNRWA funding could severely impact the welfare of Palestinians in Gaza, urging donor nations to reconsider their stance.

The situation in Gaza has worsened, with continued Israeli military actions contributing to the recent deaths of approximately a dozen Palestinian children due to starvation and dehydration, as reported by local health officials.