UK, Germany, Finland Join Countries Pausing Funding to Gaza UN Agency

A number of countries recently joined the ranks of those suspending financial contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This decision comes in the wake of allegations that 12 UNRWA staff members were implicated in the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023.

The countries that have halted funding include:

– United States
– Australia
– Canada
– Italy
– United Kingdom
– Finland
– Germany
– Switzerland
– Netherlands

The UK Foreign Office communicated its shock regarding these allegations to CNN, stating that it is awaiting the outcome of the UN’s internal investigation. Finland’s Foreign Ministry, which had been contributing 5 million euros (approximately $5.4 million US) annually, announced the suspension of its funding due to the gravity of these allegations.

Germany’s Foreign Ministry also declared a temporary halt on new funding for UNRWA. However, it will continue other humanitarian assistance, including a recent increase of 7 million euros (about $7.6 million US) to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN International Children’s Emergency Fund.

In response, Hamas issued a statement on Saturday condemning what it described as Israel’s “threats and blackmail” against UNRWA. Hamas criticized the agency’s decision to dismiss the accused employees and demanded an “impartial investigation” into the allegations made by Israel.

Furthermore, Hamas rejected a claim by Israel’s UN ambassador accusing the World Health Organization of collusion with Hamas, labeling it a “hollow accusation.” Hamas emphasized the critical role these agencies play in providing aid to the besieged enclave.