THE Swedish and Canadian governments have said they will continue aid to the underfunded UN agency for Palestine or UNRWA. Both will disburse initial funds of US$ 20 million.
The two countries are among those that have suspended aid to UNRWA. This was after agreeing with the hoax news made by Israel accusing around 12 UNRWA employees of being involved in the Hamas attack on October 7 which sparked conflict in Gaza.
“The government has allocated 400 million kronor to UNRWA for the 2024 financial year. Today’s decision concerns the first payment of 200 million kronor,” the Swedish government said.
In order to unblock this aid, UNRWA has agreed to allow controls, independent audits, to strengthen internal oversight and extra control over personnel.
Canadian International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen said his country was continuing its funding to UNRWA to respond to the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians. Canada will also continue to take allegations against some UNRWA staff very seriously.
“We will remain in close contact with UNRWA and the UN to seek accountability and reform,” he said.
Also read: Canada will continue financial assistance for Palestinian refugees
The Canadian government announced the decision Friday (8/3). Meanwhile the European Commission also disbursed €50 million in UNRWA funds.
Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, most of them civilians. Israel’s retaliatory operations in Hamas-controlled Gaza have killed more than 30,800 people, mostly women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry.
The amount of aid brought to Gaza by truck has plummeted during the five months of war. UNRWA is at the center of efforts to provide humanitarian aid in Gaza, where the UN has repeatedly warned of impending famine after nearly five months of Israeli bombardment.
UNRWA employs around 30 thousand people in the occupied territories of Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria with around 13 thousand staff in the Gaza Strip. (The Guardian/Z-3)
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