Sweden Halts Funding for UNRWA Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Sweden has stopped funding UNRWA, raising humanitarian concerns amid the Gaza crisis.
Key Points
- • Sweden withdraws financial support for UNRWA amidst Gaza humanitarian crisis.
- • UNRWA's Gaza chief expresses disappointment, emphasizing Sweden's vital role.
- • Swedish officials cite operational challenges for UNRWA in Gaza as grounds for funding cut.
- • Concerns grow over UNRWA's ability to support displaced persons in Gaza.
In a significant development amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Sweden has withdrawn its support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Sam Rose, UNRWA's Gaza chief, expressed profound disappointment over the cessation of financial support, highlighting that Sweden was one of the agency's most vital donors. His sentiments reflect the potential impact of this decision on the humanitarian landscape, where UNRWA plays a crucial role.
The Swedish government, led by Minister for International Development Cooperation, Benjamin Dousa, justified this measure by citing UNRWA's inability to function effectively in Gaza due to ongoing restrictions imposed by the Israeli government. Since early March, the agency has been hampered in its operation, particularly concerning the distribution of essential goods. Dousa's remarks underscore a paradigm shift in Sweden's foreign aid strategy as the government begins to redirect funds toward alternative organizations.
Rose pointed out that Sweden’s contributions historically provided around one month’s worth of the agency's overall budget and were instrumental in delivering essential services, such as primary healthcare and education to over 100,000 displaced individuals currently seeking refuge in UNRWA schools. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with many in need of food and medical supplies," Rose stated, emphasizing the critical nature of UNRWA’s operations.
Controversies surrounding UNRWA's alleged connections with Hamas have surfaced, with Israeli claims of infiltration within the agency. A UN investigation noted potential links for only nine out of 12,000 employees, which Rose dismissed as unfounded, asserting that the organization maintains rigorous controls over its distribution processes. Nonetheless, the accusations have contributed to a decrease in funding from various donor countries, including a significant drop in Swedish contributions from $60 million to $40 million in recent years.
As Sweden and the USA are now the only major donors to completely withdraw support from UNRWA, the future of humanitarian assistance in Gaza appears precarious, with growing alarm about the escalating crisis. Amid debates on humanitarian efforts, Rose remarked, “This sends a negative message to other potential donors who may already be hesitant,” highlighting the broader implications of Sweden’s decision in the context of international aid dynamics.