UNRWA Urges EU Aid Urgency, EU Demands Audit First

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is urgently seeking a new round of funding from the European Union, with a critical deadline approaching amidst concerns of an impending Israeli ground operation in Rafah. Rafah has become a sanctuary for many civilians fleeing the conflict.

UNRWA, already in turmoil due to accusations that a small fraction of its staff in Gaza participated in the attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7, has seen significant financial support withheld. Immediate dismissal of the implicated staff members did little to prevent a substantial funding freeze, impacting nearly half of UNRWA’s budget for the upcoming year.

Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, stressed the importance of securing an €82 million ($88 million) contribution from the EU by month’s end to avoid potentially ceasing operations.

The European Commission, a key donor to UNRWA, has requested a thorough audit to ensure the agency’s staff are not involved in terrorist activities. This comes alongside ongoing UN investigations into Israel’s allegations against UNRWA. However, the task of vetting over 13,000 staff members in Gaza for their potential involvement poses significant logistical challenges, especially under the pressing timeline.

UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing essential services such as food, water, and shelter to the war-impacted population in Gaza, where displacement affects approximately 85% of residents.

The European Commission has also proposed a “pillar assessment” of UNRWA to ensure compliance with EU standards, despite recent audits indicating no misuse of funds by the agency.

In Brussels, Lazzarini briefed EU ministers on the agency’s dire needs and the allegations it faces. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell underscored UNRWA’s unique contribution to aiding Palestinian refugees, emphasizing the principle of presumed innocence and cautioning against the consequences of UNRWA’s potential closure.

Israel’s longstanding accusations against UNRWA include tolerance or collusion with Hamas, particularly concerning the misuse of UN facilities. The discovery of tunnels beneath UNRWA’s main headquarters in Gaza City, allegedly used by Hamas, adds to these concerns. Borrell warned that the discontinuation of UNRWA’s services would exacerbate the crisis, affecting not only Gaza but also refugees in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.