Cutting UNRWA’s funding will have dire humanitarian consequences
Israel demanded that donor countries cease all funding to UNRWA and claimed the organization is supporting Hamas.
- Israel demanded that donor countries cease all funding to UNRWA and claimed the organization is supporting Hamas.
- Additionally, Israel called for the cessation of UNRWA activities in Gaza after the war.
- Sixteen mostly western countries, including Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, announced they were suspending their funding to UNRWA.
- UNRWA has warned that unless funding is restored it may need to shut down by the end of February.
What is UNRWA?
- Following the Nakba (Catastrophe) in 1948, the agency was formed to respond to the urgent needs of the displaced Palestinian population.
- It currently supports over six million Palestinians, employing more than 30,000 staff members, with a significant portion dedicated to operations in Gaza.
Israel’s accusations
- UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has said Israel has not yet shared the dossier with the United Nations.
- While these accusations are serious, maintaining an objective approach and refraining from drawing hasty conclusions about the UNRWA’s 30,000 employees is crucial.
- The 12 employees accused of taking part in the Oct. 7 attack represent 0.04 per cent of the agency’s staff.
Funding cuts aren’t new
- Israel has long sought to dismantle UNRWA and the agency has faced the threat of funding cuts in the past.
- UN General Assembly Resolution 194, passed in 1948, enshrines the right of Palestinian refugees to return home and receive compensation for losses suffered.
- UNRWA is an organization that recognizes the status of Palestinian refugees and, by extension, their right to return at some point.
- If UNRWA is unable to function, it could heighten political and social tensions in the region, especially in the countries hosting Palestinians, which will directly feel the repercussions of funding cuts.
Emilie El Khoury receives funding for her postdoctoral research at Queen's University from Queen’s Research Opportunities Postdoctoral Fund.