Canada has decided to temporarily pause its funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) due to allegations of involvement of some of its members in the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks against Israel. The Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen stated that Canada unequivocally condemns the attack and is deeply troubled by the allegations related to some UNRWA employees. The Canadian announcement came after the United States suspended its financial contributions to UNRWA following claims that a dozen of the agency’s employees participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas-initiated attack on Israel.
Established in 1949, UNRWA was created to deliver aid to Palestinian refugees and operates in the Gaza Strip. Following the allegations, Mr. Hussen communicated with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini to voice Canada’s concerns and press UNRWA and other international donors to conduct comprehensive investigations. Mr. Hussen expects a swift and comprehensive probe by UNRWA and has made it clear that immediate action must be taken against those involved in the Oct. 7 attack if the allegations are confirmed.
Mr. Lazzarini responded to the reports regarding the purported participation of some UNRWA staff in the attacks and confirmed the immediate dismissal of the implicated employees and the initiation of a probe into the matter. He declared that any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution. UNRWA will also commission an independent expert review to thoroughly examine the accusations.
Despite these developments, Canada reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Gazan civilians, stating that its support for the Gazan people will continue as it works with international partners to ensure the delivery of vital humanitarian aid.