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The UK has decided to resume its funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees following a six-month suspension due to allegations that UNRWA staff were involved in Hamas attacks.
Resumption of Funding: The UK will release approximately $26.5 million to support UNRWA’s work in Gaza, reinstating aid paused in January.
Government Response: Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the decision, expressing confidence in the reforms and strengthened vetting processes undertaken by UNRWA following the allegations. This comes after a detailed review by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, which found no substantial evidence to support Israel’s claims.
Israel’s Accusations Against UNRWA: Israel has accused UNRWA staff members of participating in the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, where over 1,100 people were killed. The Israeli government claims that 12 UNRWA staff members were involved. Additionally, the IDF reported discovering a Hamas tunnel network beneath UNRWA’s Gaza headquarters, which was allegedly using the building’s electricity.
Unbelievable:
— Naftali Bennett נפתלי בנט (@naftalibennett) February 10, 2024
UNRWA, an official UN Agency (!) paid for by donations from countries across the world (i.e. your taxes), has been serving as a wing of the Hamas terrorist regime for years.
Right under the UNRWA HQ in Gaza, Hamas built a sprawling subterranean complex. The… pic.twitter.com/P0c2gZyimU
What other countries stopped funding UNRWA? In addition to the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, Canada, the Netherlands, and Latvia halted funding.
Pressure Within the UK: The decision to resume funding follows significant pressure from UK lawmakers and humanitarian groups. A cross-party group of MPs and peers urged the government to reinstate funding to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the critical role of UNRWA in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees.
Humanitarian Impact: According to aid groups, the suspension of funds had severe repercussions, with reports of collapsing health facilities and increasing humanitarian needs in Gaza.
