Despite Israeli accusations of UNRWA employees’ involvement in terrorist attacks, key donors to the United Nations agency that aids civilians in Gaza have expressed their willingness to continue supporting the organization under the right conditions. This support, amid calls from the Israeli government to defund UNRWA, indicates a potential resolve among donors to address the agency’s funding crisis.
Following the Israeli government’s initial allegations, at least 12 countries, including the United States and Germany, have temporarily suspended funding. However, the United Nations has taken action by firing nine employees and initiating an investigation, which has been supported by the U.S. State Department.
While emphasizing the importance of the organization’s work, the State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, highlighted the critical role of UNRWA in providing essential humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also downplayed the immediate significance of the funding suspension, stating that the U.S. government is committed to seeing the agency’s work continued.
Despite the urgency of the funding crisis, the U.N.’s investigation process is expected to take at least four weeks, posing a potential challenge for UNRWA as it faces the risk of running out of funds. The delay in the investigation process could have severe consequences for the people of Gaza, as warned by various U.N. agencies.
Amidst the ongoing tensions, the joint statement from U.N. agencies emphasized the catastrophic impact of any pause in funding for UNRWA, highlighting the potential collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza. Despite the Israeli government’s longstanding desire to disband UNRWA, the organization’s crucial role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a top priority for key donors.
2024-01-31 13:53:10
Article from www.nytimes.com