Italy and Australia have temporarily halted funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) following allegations of employees' involvement in the October 7th terrorist attacks in southern Israel. Israel informed both the United States and UNRWA that it believes 12 of its employees were implicated in the attacks, although the identities and level of involvement remain unknown. In response, UNRWA's commissioner general, Philippe Lazzarini, immediately terminated the contracts of the accused workers and has launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The United States has also announced a temporary pause in additional funding to UNRWA pending the outcome of the investigation. UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid in Gaza, with funding originating from both the UN budget and voluntary donations from member countries. Alongside the US State Department, Canada, Australia, and Italy have all paused their financial support, and it is possible that other countries may follow suit.
The organization itself has been controversial in the United States for some time. In 2018, the Trump administration cut off funding, citing irredeemable flaws. However, the Biden administration reinstated funding in 2021. Concerns over UNRWA's credibility have resurfaced in recent debates, with prominent figures accusing the organization of corruption.
Israeli criticism of UNRWA, as well as the wider UN, has been longstanding. Israeli officials argue that the agency perpetuates the Palestinian refugee issue by recognizing the descendants of those displaced during the 1948-49 Arab-Israeli war as refugees. This recognition implies a right to return, a contentious matter in potential peace negotiations.
An adviser to the Israeli prime minister condemned UNRWA and claimed that the involvement of its employees in the October 7th attacks is not an isolated incident but rather a systemic problem. The Israeli foreign minister echoed these sentiments, accusing UNRWA of serving as a civilian arm of Hamas in Gaza. He called for the organization to face consequences and for the UN to take action against its leadership.
The allegations against UNRWA employees have raised concerns and prompted funding pauses from several countries. The organization's commissioner general has responded promptly by terminating contracts and initiating a full-scale investigation to uncover the truth. The outcome of these investigations will shape future decisions regarding funding and the credibility of UNRWA.
