The Dutch government has stated that it will consider resuming funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) if the agency implements recommendations to enhance its neutrality. This decision follows a review led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, investigating whether any UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 attack carried out by Hamas.
The review concluded that UNRWA has a “very strong” neutrality system in place and noted that Israel has not yet substantiated its accusations against UNRWA with the required evidence. The Dutch government mentioned that it had already made its annual donation to UNRWA in January before the allegations against the agency surfaced, after which it decided to temporarily suspend funding.
Several countries initially suspended funding to UNRWA following allegations of staff involvement in the October 7 attacks but have since resumed their contributions. These include Germany, Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Japan. Germany, after reviewing a report affirming UNRWA’s neutrality, decided to back reforms and resume funding, joining other major donors in reinstating support prior to the report’s official release. Similarly, Japan renewed its financial aid, announcing the continuation of a planned $35 million contribution.
France also resumed funding, committing over 30 million euros to UNRWA for 2024, after a two-month hiatus. This decision followed an independent inquiry led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, which exonerated UNRWA of the accusations and highlighted its critical role in delivering essential services.
The UK has plans in place to resume funding UNRWA, acknowledging the agency’s unique capability to deliver aid in Gaza despite the serious allegations against some staff members. The British government’s reassessment comes amidst broader calls from international stakeholders, urged by the UN Secretary-General and other UN officials, to ensure the continuity of UNRWA’s vital operations amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
