Italy and Australia announced this Saturday that, along with the United States and Canada, they will suspend their donations to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The organization has lost some of its main donors, including the United States, it’s top donor.
The string of suspensions comes after UNRWA reported that it terminated several employees’ contracts and opened an investigation in 12 staff members, according to U.S. sources - to determine whether they participated in the October 7 terrorist attacks.
"The Israeli authorities have provided UNRWA with information about the alleged involvement of several UNRWA employees in the horrific attacks on Israel on October 7," said Commisioner General Philippe Lazzarini in a statement. "Any UNRWA employee who was involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.”
.@antonioguterres has been briefed by @UNLazzarini on extremely serious allegations which implicate several @UNRWA staff in the 7 Oct terror attacks in Israel.
He is horrified by this news and has asked Mr. Lazzarini to investigate this matter swiftly: https://t.co/ZTEfE0ExXi
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) January 26, 2024
"I am deeply troubled by the allegations relating to some UNRWA employees," said Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen, announcing that Canada will also pause funding to the agency until the results of the investigation are released, as promised by Lazzarini and Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the U.N.
Canada unequivocally condemns the October 7th attack on Israel. I am deeply troubled by the allegations relating to some UNRWA employees. I have instructed Global Affairs Canada to pause all additional funding to UNRWA pending the outcome of the investigation. Read my statement: pic.twitter.com/YfEbwhKvzx
— Ahmed Hussen (@HonAhmedHussen) January 26, 2024
Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani announced this Saturday that Rome would follow in the same footsteps:
The Italian government is suspending UNRWA funding following the atrocious attack by Hamas against Israel on October 7. Allied countries have recently made the same decision. We are committed to humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population, while protecting Israel's security.
Il Governo italiano ha sospeso finanziamenti @UNRWA dopo l’atroce attacco di Hamas contro Israele del 7 ottobre. Paesi Alleati hanno recentemente preso stessa decisione. Siamo impegnati nell’assistenza umanitaria alla popolazione palestinese, tutelando la sicurezza di Israele.
— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) January 27, 2024
Also on Saturday, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong announced her decision to also suspend donations:
Allegations UNRWA staff were involved in the abhorrent October 7 terror attacks are deeply concerning.
Australia welcomes UNRWA’s swift response and will engage closely on investigations.
We are speaking with partners and will temporarily pause disbursement of recent funding. pic.twitter.com/Havwserjh3
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) January 27, 2024
The United Nations organization was accused numerous times of favoring Hamas. This included training terrorists in its schools and silencing reports of theft.
