UNRWA DEFUNDED

Shortly after the International Court of Justice issued a ruling urging Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza, the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Canada, Finland, and the Netherlands decided to halt funding for UNRWA, the United Nations organization responsible for providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. This action was taken in response to allegations by Israel that some of its employees were involved in the October 7 attack. UNRWA Commissioner General Phillippe Lazzarini condemned the employees' actions and promptly terminated their contracts, initiating an independent investigation.

The decision to defund UNRWA puts 2 million lives at risk, as the agency serves as a crucial lifeline in Gaza, where those displaced by the Israel-Hamas conflict have no alternative means for survival. Lazzarini expressed shock at the suspension of funds, emphasizing UNRWA's swift response in terminating the implicated employees and calling for a transparent investigation. The United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is already investigating the matter.

The ICJ ruling mandates Israel to take immediate measures for providing basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. Countries withholding support for UNRWA may be seen as violating the ICJ ruling and contributing to conditions that could lead to genocide. Lazzarini highlighted the responsibility of not penalizing an entire community and agency due to allegations against a few individuals, especially during a time of war and crisis.

UNRWA, which shares its staff list annually with host countries, including Israel, is a clear proof that the agency values transparency. With 13,000 UNRWA employees in Gaza, 3,000 of whom continue working, defunding the agency directly impacts its humanitarian response and risks regional destabilization, as millions in Gaza depend on UNRWA for survival.