The Japanese government declared on Tuesday its decision to resume funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa stated that Japan plans to contribute $35 million to the Palestinian refugee agency, according to the Japanese news agency Kyodo.
Japan had suspended its funding following Israeli allegations that dozens of UNRWA employees were involved in attacks carried out by Hamas on October 7th. These allegations prompted several Western countries, including major donors like the United States and Germany, to suspend their funding to UNRWA.
A committee of experts appointed by the United Nations is conducting an independent review of the agency. Japan’s decision to renew funding follows similar actions taken by the European Union, Sweden, and Canada.
The funding cuts to UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, followed allegations by Israel that several of its staff were involved in an attack by Hamas on October 7th. The UN terminated nine of the twelve staff members implicated over these allegations and has committed to holding its employees accountable. This controversy led to a significant number of Western countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Finland, Estonia, Japan, Austria, and Romania, suspending their financial contributions to the agency. These suspensions have thrust UNRWA into a precarious position, jeopardizing the critical aid it provides to Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA Chief Philippe Lazzarini has highlighted the severe impact of the funding freeze, especially given the agency’s crucial role in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict. He emphasized the dire situation resulting from the bombardment, which has affected over 150 UNRWA premises, leading to significant casualties. Lazzarini’s call for continued support underscores the desperation of Gaza’s situation, with millions relying on UNRWA for essential services and support. He strongly rebutted the conflating of UNRWA’s operations with Hamas and called for a clear distinction between the alleged actions of a few individuals and the agency’s broader humanitarian mission.
Secretary-General António Guterres has echoed this sentiment, urging the countries that have suspended funding to UNRWA to reconsider their decisions to ensure the continuity of the agency’s vital humanitarian operations. He highlighted the ongoing investigation into the allegations and reassured that any UN employee found involved in acts of terror would be held accountable. Guterres’s plea reflects the critical nature of UNRWA’s work for over two million civilians in the Gaza Strip, underscoring the risk that the funding suspension poses to lifesaving aid and services provided by the agency.
