Global concerns rise as key donors suspend funding for Palestinian agency

The United Nations (UN) and various aid groups are urgently calling on nations to reconsider their decision to pause funding for the UN refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA).

The suspension of funding, initiated by at least nine countries, including prominent donors like the United States and Germany, has put the life-saving aid for around two million people in Gaza at risk.

The pause in funding comes in the wake of serious allegations by Israel, accusing some UNRWA staff of involvement in the deadly October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,200 lives.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed understanding for the concerns but strongly appealed to the governments to ensure the continuity of UNRWA’s operations.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini echoed this sentiment, urging countries to reconsider their decisions before the humanitarian response provided by UNRWA is forced to suspend, potentially endangering the lives of those dependent on its aid.

The situation in Gaza is dire, with more than 26,000 people reported killed in Israel’s military campaign against Hamas.

The enclave’s health ministry revealed that flows of essential aid, including food and medicine, have reduced significantly, leading to a rise in deaths from preventable diseases and an increased risk of famine.

Since the conflict began on October 7, the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have become reliant on the aid offered by UNRWA.

Approximately one million people have sought refuge in UNRWA facilities after fleeing Israeli bombardments. Palestinians have expressed anger at the funding cuts, viewing them as contributing to a war of famine and collective punishment.

UN-appointed expert on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, warned on social media that the funding cuts make famine in Gaza “inevitable.”

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, has called for UNRWA to be replaced and has urged more countries to cut funding, although details of UNRWA staff members’ alleged involvement in the October 7 attack have not been publicly disclosed by Israel.

Despite the calls from the UN, there is no immediate sign of countries reinstating aid. However, Norway and Ireland have announced their commitment to continuing funding for the agency.

UN Secretary-General Guterres revealed that 12 UNRWA staff members were implicated, with nine terminated, one deceased, and the identities of the other two under clarification.

UNRWA, established to aid refugees from the 1948 war at Israel’s founding, provides education, health, and aid services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

The global community now watches closely as concerns escalate over the potential humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.