Funding Suspension to UN Palestinian Agency Sparks Criticism Amid Conflict

GAZA- Senior Palestinian representatives and the political group Hamas have voiced strong objections to the suspension of financial aid by several Western nations to the UN agency dedicated to Palestinian aid. The halt in funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) comes as the agency faces scrutiny over allegations by Israel regarding staff involvement in attacks.

The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) has labeled the funding cut as posing severe political and humanitarian risks, emphasizing the need for sustained support for UNRWA, especially during ongoing hostilities. PLO Secretary-General Hussein al-Sheikh called for an immediate reinstatement of aid, highlighting the adverse timing of the funding halt amid continuous assaults on Palestinian communities.

UNRWA, which began its mission in 1950 following the displacement of Palestinians after the establishment of Israel, has been instrumental in providing essential services to almost six million Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, and in the neighboring countries of Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. The agency is vital for education, healthcare, and social services in these regions.

Western countries including Italy, Australia, Canada, and the United States have ceased contributions to UNRWA, with the European Union stating an intention to evaluate further actions based on the outcome of ongoing inquiries. The UK and Finland have also suspended their financial aid. This comes as UNRWA’s facilities, often used as shelters for displaced Palestinians, have faced destruction in Israeli airstrikes.

On the flip side, UNRWA has taken measures by dismissing several employees following Israel’s claims, which linked UNRWA staff to the incidents on October 7 that resulted in significant casualties. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, affirmed the immediate actions taken and the launch of a thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity of the allegations.

The recent decisions to withdraw funding have raised international concern about the potential exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis affecting Palestinian refugees, stressing the importance of UNRWA’s role in the volatile region.

Garowe Online+ Agencies