US, Australia, Canada Halt UNRWA Funding Over Israel’s Oct. 7 Allegations

Following allegations by Israel of involvement in Hamas’s October 7 attack, Australia and Canada have decided to halt their contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the body responsible for assisting Palestinian refugees. The Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, expressed her serious concerns regarding these claims and announced a temporary cessation of funding on a social media platform. Wong commended UNRWA for its prompt actions, including firing implicated employees and initiating a full-scale investigation.

Similarly, Canada’s International Development Minister, Ahmed Hussen, declared a pause in additional funding to UNRWA, pending a detailed inquiry into these accusations. Hussen emphasized Canada’s serious approach to these reports and its commitment to collaborating with UNRWA and other donors. He also stated that if the allegations are confirmed, Canada expects UNRWA to take immediate action against those involved in Hamas’s terrorist activities.

These decisions follow the United States’ suspension of funding to UNRWA on the same grounds, with allegations involving 12 employees potentially linked to the Hamas attack that led to the conflict in Gaza.

UNRWA, responding to these allegations, has already dismissed several staff members accused of involvement in the October 7 incident. Philippe Lazzarini, the agency’s head, has pledged to enforce accountability, including criminal prosecution, for any staff member found engaged in acts of terrorism.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has committed to an urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA’s operations. In her statement, Wong acknowledged the crucial and life-saving role of UNRWA, noting its direct provision of essential services in Gaza, with over 1.4 million Palestinians relying on its facilities.