UK, US, Australia, and Others Suspend Financial Support to UN Agency in Gaza

Read Time:1 Minute, 38 Second

Multiple Donor Countries Suspend Funding to UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees Amid Accusations

Several key donor countries, including the UK, US, Australia, and others, have announced the suspension of funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees following accusations by Israel that some UNRWA staff were involved in a Hamas attack on October 7.

In response, UNRWA stated that it had terminated several staff members over Israel’s accusations and pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into the unspecified claims. Israel, in turn, threatened to halt the agency’s work in Gaza after the war.

Here are statements from the countries that have suspended funding:

Australia: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledged UNRWA’s vital work but announced a temporary pause in funding, expressing support for UNRWA’s immediate response and investigation.
Canada: Canada’s International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen declared a temporary pause in additional funding to UNRWA, pending a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Finland: Having a four-year agreement to provide annual funding, Finland suspended its payments and called for an independent and thorough investigation to ensure funds do not support terrorist activities.
Italy: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the suspension of funding, emphasizing a commitment to humanitarian aid for the Palestinian population while safeguarding Israel’s security.
Switzerland: Switzerland, an annual contributor to UNRWA, declared that a decision on the 2024 payment would be deferred until the accusations were clarified, underscoring zero tolerance for support to terrorism.
United Kingdom: The British government expressed being appalled by the allegations, announcing a temporary pause in future funding while reviewing the claims made by Israel.
United Nations: UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, pledged to hold accountable any employee involved in acts of terror. UN chief Antonio Guterres promised an urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA.
United States: The US State Department suspended payments, welcomed the UN’s investigation, and called for complete accountability for those involved in the alleged attacks. It highlighted UNRWA’s critical role in providing humanitarian support to Palestinians.