Norway, one of the major donor countries to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), announced on Sunday that it will continue to fund the agency despite concerns about the alleged involvement of some of its employees in a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
In a statement, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said, “Norway has decided to continue its funding.”
He added, “While I share very serious concerns about the allegations against some UNRWA employees, I urge other donors to consider the broader consequences of reducing funding for UNRWA at this time of severe humanitarian crisis.”
The minister continued, “We should not collectively punish millions of people.”
Israel accused several UNRWA employees on Friday of participating in a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
The United States quickly announced a halt to its funding for the United Nations agency, followed by several other countries, including Germany, Australia, Italy, Finland, and the United Kingdom.
UNRWA responded to Israeli allegations by stating that it had expelled the accused employees and pledged to conduct a comprehensive investigation and take legal measures if their involvement is confirmed.
However, Israel announced that it would prevent the agency from continuing its work in Gaza after the war.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized, “We must distinguish between what individuals may do and what UNRWA represents.”
He added that the people of Gaza are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, and they should not bear the cost of the actions of others.
