The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees is facing a major funding crisis as several countries, including Japan, have suspended their contributions to the organization. This decision comes in the wake of allegations that some of UNRWA’s staff members may have been involved in a deadly terrorist attack on Israel in 2023.
The decision by Japan to halt its funding for UNRWA is a significant blow to the organization, as Japan has been one of the largest contributors, providing approximately $50 million per year. Japan’s decision to suspend funding, along with that of other countries such as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, sends a strong message to the UNRWA that the international community will not tolerate their employees’ involvement in terrorist activities.
Israel has presented evidence that 12 UNRWA employees in Gaza participated in the 2023 terror attack that claimed the lives of 1,200 Israeli citizens. While UNRWA has acknowledged that some of its employees were involved, it has also stated that it has terminated nine of the implicated staff members and is still investigating the identities of the remaining two.
Authorities have confirmed 12 employees of @UN‘s @UNRWA were involved in the heinous atrocities of October 7th–the largest mass-murder of Jews since the Holocaust.
There’s a REASON President Trump ceased ALL US FUNDING to UNRWA.
Biden NEVER should have reinstated the funding. pic.twitter.com/iJjguYxWMd
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) January 26, 2024
In response to the allegations and the suspension of funding by multiple countries, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on member states to resume their funding for UNRWA. However, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, has strongly criticized this call, stating that Guterres has continuously ignored evidence of UNRWA’s involvement in terrorism and calling on donor states to suspend their support until an in-depth investigation is conducted.
More countries cut funding to UN agency after staffers accused of participating in Oct. 7 Hamas attack
ITALY, AUSTRALIA, SWITZERLAND, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CANADA HAVE PULLED FUNDING FROM THE AGENCYhttps://t.co/2bRgLStPE2
— ElaineW (@EW_1954) January 27, 2024
While some countries, such as Norway, have chosen to continue their funding for UNRWA, despite the allegations, others have taken a more cautious approach. Australia, for example, has announced that it will conduct its own investigation before making a decision on future funding.
The decision by these countries to suspend funding to UNRWA is not only a response to the recent allegations but is also a reflection of concerns that have been raised in the past regarding the organization. Many have criticized UNRWA for its lack of transparency and accountability and its role in perpetuating the Palestinian refugee crisis rather than helping to solve it.
Furthermore, there are concerns that the aid provided to UNRWA may not reach its intended recipients but could instead end up funding terrorist groups like Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. This fear is not unfounded, as previous incidents have revealed that UNRWA aid has been used to fund terrorist activities in the region.
On January 28, Statement by Press Secretary KOBAYASHI Maki, regarding Allegations about #UNRWA staff members’ involvement in the October 7 terror attack on #Israel last year, was issued.#PressSecStatement🇯🇵 #Gaza #Palestinehttps://t.co/FU2SdXPvYA pic.twitter.com/9XShNMH6WA
— MOFA of Japan (@MofaJapan_en) January 28, 2024
In the meantime, countries that have suspended their funding for UNRWA should continue to closely monitor the situation and hold the organization accountable. The international community must send a clear message that it will not tolerate any form of terrorism or support for terrorism, especially from an organization that is meant to provide aid and assistance to refugees.
Is UNRWA finally facing a reckoning? Maybe.
The US has pulled funding and the UN Secretary-General is allegedly horrified, despite knowing UNRWA’s history. What happens next? We’ll have to wait and see, but we’re not holding our breath. pic.twitter.com/As4J7gzK95
— HonestReporting (@HonestReporting) January 27, 2024
The decision by countries like Japan to halt their funding to UNRWA sends a strong message that the international community will not tolerate any involvement or support for terrorism. As investigations into these allegations continue, the UN and its member states must take decisive action to ensure the safety and security of all those affected by the actions of UNRWA. Additionally, steps must be taken to hold the organization accountable and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
