German Funding to UNRWA Temporarily Suspended Over Alleged Hamas Involvement
Germany joined a growing list of countries to pause funding to the United Nations aid agency for Palestinian refugees, the UNRWA, after Israel alleged that 12 staff members were involved in the October 7 attack by Hamas militants.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Under Threat
The UNRWA faces a funding setback as nine countries, including Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have temporarily suspended financial support. In light of these suspensions, the operational capabilities of the UNRWA in the Gaza Strip, a region heavily reliant on its aid, are now under strain.
Germany’s Decision to Suspend Funding
The German Foreign Ministry announced the suspension of funding in agreement with other countries until the UNRWA’s internal investigation concludes. It expects UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, to take a strong stance against all forms of hatred and violence by firmly denouncing the alleged involvement of its staff members in the attack.
Impact on Humanitarian Efforts
With 2 million people dependent on the UNRWA’s aid in Gaza, the suspension of funding poses a severe threat to the region’s already vulnerable humanitarian situation. The UNRWA warns that its operations are at the risk of collapse, potentially leaving these 2 million individuals without the necessary assistance.
Classifying Hamas as Terrorist Organization
Germany, the United States, Israel, and several other countries categorize Hamas as a terrorist organization. This classification further fuels suspicions regarding the involvement of its militants in the attack, leading to questions of accountability and the need for a thorough internal investigation within the UNRWA.
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