UNRWA funding suspension raises concerns about Gaza’s vulnerable population

New Delhi, Jan 28: The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has called on countries that have suspended funding to reconsider their decision, describing it as "shocking." The United Kingdom is the latest nation to halt funding for UNRWA.

Philippe Lazzarini emphasized that over two million people in the Gaza Strip rely on UNRWA for their survival. The funding suspension by eight countries, including the UK, followed allegations from Israel that some UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. UNRWA is investigating the claims and has already terminated the contracts of the implicated employees. Israel has long accused various UN branches, including UNRWA, of bias and antisemitism. The countries that have suspended funding include Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US.

Established in 1949, UNRWA is the largest UN agency operating in Gaza, providing healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It employs approximately 13,000 people in Gaza.

Since Israel's offensive in response to the Hamas attacks, UNRWA has utilized its facilities across Gaza to shelter hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians.

In a statement, Lazzarini expressed concern over the suspension of funds, especially given UNRWA's swift action in response to the allegations. He emphasized the importance of a transparent and independent investigation. Lazzarini added that an inquiry by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services would establish the facts.

Allegations of UNRWA staff involvement prompted reactions from major donors. The UK Foreign Office, appalled by the allegations, announced a temporary pause in future funding pending a review. The US State Department also suspended additional funding, expressing extreme concern over the allegations. The EU stated it would assess further steps based on the investigation's results.

UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed horror at the news. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz aims to halt UNRWA operations in Gaza after the war. However, the Palestinian Authority's minister for civilian affairs, Hussein Al-Sheikh, warned of significant political and humanitarian risks resulting from the decision by some countries to pause support for the vital UN agency. UNRWA highlighted challenges in delivering humanitarian aid to the approximately 1.7 million people displaced by 12 weeks of fighting.