ALBAWABA - Canada has decided to suspend its financial contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) following allegations of staff involvement in the October 7 attacks made by Israel.
The move comes after the United States government, on Friday, announced an immediate cessation of funding to UNRWA, citing evidence presented by Israel suggesting that 12 employees of the agency participated in the Hamas attacks on October 7.
The Canadian "National Post" reported that this decision mirrors the US government's temporary suspension of funding, awaiting a comprehensive review of the allegations against UNRWA.
UNRWA had earlier expelled several employees suspected of being linked to the October 7 attacks. The agency plays a crucial role in providing relief services to Gaza residents amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes since that date.
Matthew Miller, Chief of the Press Service at the US State Department, expressed concern in a press release, stating, "The United States is deeply troubled by allegations that 12 UNRWA employees may have been involved in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7." He added, "The US State Department is pausing additional funding to UNRWA while the United Nations investigates these allegations and formulates appropriate responses."
The decision by the US government has prompted Canada to reassess its financial support for UNRWA, aligning with the global apprehension regarding the agency's operations and accountability.
UNRWA Investigates Alleged Employee Involvement in October 7 Attacks
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has launched an inquiry into allegations of its staff's involvement in the October 7 attacks orchestrated by Hamas in southern Israel. The agency, expressing grave concern, has cut ties with the implicated employees.
Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, revealed that Israeli authorities shared information linking some UNRWA employees to the attacks on October 7. Lazzarini emphasized the need to protect the agency's ability to deliver humanitarian aid, leading to the immediate termination of contracts for the accused employees and the initiation of a prompt investigation.
The announcement prompted UN Secretary-General António Guterres to express his deep concern. Guterres has instructed Lazzarini to conduct a thorough investigation, ensuring the swift termination and possible criminal referral of any UNRWA employee found to be complicit in or connected to the incitement of the October 7 attacks.
A spokesperson for Guterres stated, "An independent and urgent review of UNRWA's operations will be carried out."
