Why have Western countries stopped funding for UNRWA?

In recent days, several Western countries have temporarily pause their funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA has historically been a lifeline for two million people in the besieged enclave of Gaza.

However, recent funding cuts have cast a shadow over its operations following Israel’s allegations of staff involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack.

This decision has sparked questions and concerns about the rationale behind such actions. Here’s an insight into why Western countries have taken this step:

Official response by western countries: Addressing allegations of staff involvement

The decision to suspend funding comes in response to serious allegations implicating some UNRWA staff members in the October 7 attack.

These allegations, brought forth by Israeli authorities, prompt swift action from Western countries. Although in response to the allegations the UN has terminated nine out of 12 accused staff members, but it did not help restore the lost funding by the western states.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini expressed shock at the abrupt funding cuts, emphasizing the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.

Since western countries prioritize accountability and transparency in all aspects of humanitarian aid distribution. In light of the allegations against UNRWA staff, donor nations have deemed it necessary to pause funding until a thorough investigation can be conducted to ascertain the veracity of the claims and hold accountable those found responsible. By taking proactive measures to address allegations of misconduct, Western nations aim to safeguard the integrity of humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected regions.

Impact of funding cuts

The sudden suspension of funding from key Western donors jeopardizes UNRWA’s ability to deliver essential services in Gaza.

With over two million people depending on UNRWA’s humanitarian aid, the funding cuts exacerbate an already dire situation, including the risk of famine.

Boycotting Nations:

1. United States
2. Canada
3. Australia
4. United Kingdom
5. Germany
6. Italy
7. Netherlands
8. Switzerland
9. Finland

Nations Continuing Funding:

1. Ireland
2. Norway

Also Read: What are legal consequences if Israel rejects ICJ ruling?

Israel’s allegations and political dynamics

Israel’s allegations against UNRWA staff have sparked political controversy. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called for Lazzarini’s resignation, highlighting tensions between Israel and the UN agency. Former UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness described the allegations and subsequent boycott of funding as a coordinated political attack on the agency.

Legal and political insight in context of historical precedents

The unexpected move by numerous Western nations has left many bewildered, particularly given the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) mandating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Additionally, this response is particularly surprising given the longstanding lack of emphasis on transparency and accountability within UN member countries, despite numerous serious allegations.

A notable example is the accusations against UN peacekeeping forces for instances of sexual abuse in Haiti. Despite such allegations persisting for years across various regions, the UN has yet to effectively prosecute the accused or establish accountability within its ranks. On the other hand, the Western countries, in such cases, never not openly demonstrated their commitment to integrity in humanitarian aid, despite these persistent issues.

While some may argue that accusations against UNRWA are more severe than those against peacekeepers in Haiti, the collective boycott of funding for a UN agency remains unprecedented. Although the US has previously suspended its funding to UNRWA due to similar accusations raised by Israel, such actions are rare anomalies. Thus, historical precedents neither support nor justify the collective decision of pausing aid to UNRWA, especially when the situation in conflict zone like Gaza is already very dire and people are in need of relief supplies.

A few cases in the past where the US paused funding due to similar accusations by Israel.

1. UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East):
   • Accusation: Israel accused UNRWA workers of being complicit in terrorist activities, including providing support to Hamas militants.
   • Response by the US: The United States announced significant cuts to its funding for UNRWA in 2018. The decision to cut funding was partly influenced by concerns about alleged mismanagement and inefficiency within UNRWA. Additionally, there were allegations of bias and anti-Israel sentiment within the agency.
2. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization):
   • Accusation: The organization admitted Palestine as a full member. The U.S. cited laws that prohibit funding to any UN agency that grants full membership to Palestine, which the U.S. considers detrimental to peace negotiations.
   • Response by the US: The United States stopped funding UNESCO in 2011. The decision to halt funding was a direct response to UNESCO’s decision to grant Palestine full membership.
3. UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council):
   • Accusation: The United States withdrew from the UNHRC in 2018, citing concerns about the council’s alleged bias against Israel and its failure to address human rights abuses in other countries.
   • Response by the US: The United States withdrew from the UNHRC in 2018. Decision to withdraw from the UNHRC was based on concerns about what it perceived as the council’s bias against Israel and its failure to address human rights abuses in other countries.

UNRWA’s urgent appeal

UNRWA faces a critical funding shortfall that threatens its ability to provide life-saving assistance in Gaza. Urgent appeals have been made to the international community, particularly Arab states, to bridge the financial gap and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

Calls for continued support

UN and Palestinian officials have called for continued funding for UNRWA’s crucial work. Despite the allegations, they emphasize the agency’s indispensable role in providing aid and services to Palestinian refugees. However, the funding cuts raise concerns about the agency’s ability to meet escalating humanitarian needs.

We call on the countries that announced the cessation of their support for #UNRWA to immediately reverse their decision, which entails great political and humanitarian relief risks, as at this particular time and in light of the continuing aggression against the Palestinian… https://t.co/mxIam0zmZs

— حسين الشيخ Hussein AlSheikh (@HusseinSheikhpl) January 27, 2024