Germany to renew partnership with Palestinian UNRWA Agency

New Delhi, Apr 25: Germany is set to re-establish its collaboration with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza, marking a significant step following a period of evaluation and international scrutiny.  This decision was announced jointly by Germany's foreign and development ministries.

The move comes amid a backdrop of tensions triggered by Israel's allegations that a dozen UNRWA personnel were involved in attacks on October 7th, orchestrated by Hamas.

However, an independent investigation spearheaded by Catherine Colonna, the former French foreign minister, has found Israel's claims lacking substantiation.

Colonna's review highlighted the need for UNRWA to reinforce its internal mechanisms to ensure neutrality and strengthen oversight of its projects. While acknowledging UNRWA's efforts in implementing robust safeguards, the report emphasized the imperative of adopting additional measures to uphold neutrality effectively.

Germany's decision to resume cooperation aligns with actions taken by other nations, including Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Japan, signalling collective support for UNRWA's mission. Despite suspending funding for UNRWA operations in Gaza earlier this year, Germany continued to provide financial assistance for humanitarian efforts in neighbouring regions.

As Germany renews its commitment to supporting UNRWA's vital work, it underscores the importance of upholding humanitarian principles and addressing the urgent needs of Palestinian refugees, particularly in the challenging context of the Gaza Strip.