Western countries have made a controversial decision to stop funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the primary lifeline for millions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and surrounding regions. This move has stirred significant concern among human rights advocates and the international community.
Despite touting their commitment to democracy and human rights, nations like the U.S., UK, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland, Australia, Canada, and Japan have recently suspended their contributions to UNRWA. These cuts come amid allegations that twelve UNRWA employees may have been involved in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, leading to the termination of nine employees and ongoing investigations.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, has criticized the funding suspension as a form of \"collective punishment\" against Palestinians. This sentiment resonates with nearly two dozen humanitarian organizations that have condemned the actions of the U.S. and its partners, labeling them as \"irresponsible.\" Arab nations and the Arab League echoed these criticisms on January 28, warning that the funding cuts would exacerbate the already dire situation in Gaza.
In response to this crisis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark are urging Western nations to reinstate their financial support. Their plea emphasizes the urgent need to sustain UNRWA’s operations and prevent further hardship for the Gazan population.
Reference(s):
Western irresponsibility in the human rights protection of Gazans
cgtn.com
