Denmark: 150 Million

After thorough review and calculations, Denmark disburses DKK 150 Million contributions to support URNWA’s the main humanitarian organization on the ground at Gaza efforts in providing life saving reliefs and rescue measures for millions of Gazans trapped on the ongoing war and starvation due to the blockade and continued bombings at Gaza. These changes came at a time when Sweden and Canada as well as EU countries resumed supporting URNWA following their temporary suspension of support due to the allegations by Israel that URNWA’s employees are involved in the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel. “The accusations against UNWRA have pointed to a number of organisational weaknesses in UNRWA’s control mechanisms and handling of accusations. Denmark, like other countries, has engaged in close dialogue with UNRWA on how these weaknesses can be remedied. Given this dialogue, the follow-up by the UN, and the agreement we have entered into with UNRWA, we can now pay out the planned support as pledged. Our decision to disburse this payment is aligned with similar decisions by Sweden, the EU and Canada. The support comes at a time when the humanitarian situation is disastrous, and will help to support the life-saving humanitarian operation. There is currently no alternative to UNRWA in Gaza. In the longer term, it will be absolutely critical that important reform measures are initiated in the organisation,” says Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Dan Jørgensen. The contributions of the Danish government will also support URNWA’s initiatives for Palestine refugees in Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. The UN has taken significant steps in response to Israeli accusations regarding the involvement of UNRWA employees in a Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Immediate actions included the dismissal of accused employees and the initiation of an urgent investigation by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). Additionally, an external, independent investigation into UNRWA's supervision mechanisms is ongoing, with forthcoming recommendations aimed at enhancing organizational procedures for addressing future accusations against its employees. Internally, UNRWA has begun efforts to reinforce its existing control mechanisms. According to Gaza's health authorities, since October 7th, over 30,800 Palestinians have lost their lives, with at least 72,400 sustaining injuries. Additionally, 165 UNRWA workers have been among the casualties. The crisis has led to approximately 1.7 million people being internally displaced, comprising about 75% of the population. Many of these individuals endure harsh living conditions, characterized by overcrowding and poor hygiene. Security concerns persist for aid workers and facilities, including health centers and staff. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that the entire civilian population of Gaza faces critical food insecurity, with one in four families at risk of starvation. Shockingly, around 90% of children under five years old are suffering from illness. UNICEF reports that roughly 81% of households lack sufficient access to clean water.“The Danish Government urgently appeals for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. It is essential that we get more emergency aid on the ground as quickly as possible. If this effort is to succeed, UNRWA plays an indispensable role right now. It is probably too much to hope that all of the weak points of the organisation have disappeared, but the leadership has initiated a number of measures to restore trust. Therefore, in line with a number of like-minded countries, we have decided to disburse our planned contribution. Meanwhile, we are engaged in a wide range of other efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including support for the maritime humanitarian corridor and putting pressure on Israel to improve humanitarian access by land,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen.