Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister, expressed the country’s deep concern about the loss of life and diminishing safe space for Palestinians in Gaza. She aims to restore confidence in the United Nations so that Australia, Canada, Japan, and other countries can provide assistance to Palestinians in Gaza, following a discussion with United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini on Feb. 8.
Australia and other nations, including the U.S., suspended funding for the UNRWA in late January due to allegations that 12 staff members were involved in the Hamas terror attack on Israel. Despite these serious allegations, Wong emphasized that no other organization can provide humanitarian assistance on the ground in the same way UNRWA does. The primary focus is on how to restore confidence so that Australia, Canada, Japan, and others can offer further funding to UNRWA.
Wong stressed that the UN itself considers the allegations against UNRWA staff brought about by Israel as serious, based on their actions launching two inquiries. Australia is “deeply concerned” about the loss of life and diminishing safe space for Palestinians in Gaza. The government had announced $21.5 million for Gaza, including $6 million for the UNRWA in January.
Furthermore, an immigration bill in the United States is under debate and aims to block funding to the UNRWA. The bill, supported by Democrats and some moderate Republicans, would significantly affect humanitarian aid for Palestinians. The text of the bill states that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs may be made available for a contribution, grant, or other payment to the UNRWA. Despite having the support of U.S. President Joe Biden, this legislation is facing barriers due to other Republican concerns relating to border security and may not pass Congress.