Japan Suspends UNRWA Funding Over Allegations of Staff Involvement in Oct 7 Hamas Attack

Japan has decided to suspend additional funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in response to allegations of staff involvement in the October 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel. The move follows similar actions taken by the United States, Britain, and several other countries.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry's Foreign Press Secretary, Kobayashi Maki, made this announcement on Sunday, expressing deep concern over the alleged participation of 12 UNRWA staff members in the Hamas-led October 7 massacre.

UNRWA's Long-Standing Denials

(Photo : MAHMUD HAMS/AFP via Getty Images)
Palestinians receive food aid distributed by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Tel Zaatar area, just outside the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip 08 october 2004. UNRWA announced a successful delivery of aid to half of the 600 families, approximately 3,300 people, trapped in the Jabalia camp, who have been unable to leave their homes since September 28, when Israel launched its "Days of Penitence" operation in northern Gaza in a bid to stop Palestinian rocket attacks on the Jewish state.

Kobayashi stated that Japan was "extremely concerned" about the allegations and would be suspending any new funding to UNRWA pending the completion of a thorough investigation. She emphasized Japan's strong urging for UNRWA to conduct the investigation promptly and comprehensively while taking appropriate measures to address the allegations.

Japan had earmarked approximately $35 million as a contribution to UNRWA in the supplementary budget for the current fiscal year through March. Notably, these funds have not been remitted yet.

The Government of Japan had previously contributed $1 million to UNRWA in support of Palestinian refugees affected by an Israeli Security Forces operation in the Jenin refugee camp on July 3-4, 2023. This funding was specifically directed towards UNRWA's Humanitarian and Early Recovery Appeal for Jenin.

The director of UNRWA Affairs in the West Bank, Adam Bouloukos, expressed gratitude for Japan's support, emphasizing the vital role the funds played in enabling UNRWA to continue essential work, including healthcare services for Palestine Refugees in and around Jenin.

However, the recent allegations have significantly strained the relationship between Japan, alongside other nations, and UNRWA. The agency, responsible for providing crucial services to 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across various regions, now faces a funding crisis of at least $363 million, impacting its $1.6 billion budget.

The aid agency has long faced criticism by Israel over its perceived close ties with the Hamas terrorist group and the inclusion of overtly antisemitic content in its teaching materials. However, the agency vehemently denies these allegations, stating that its mandate is set by the UN General Assembly.

Israel privately lodged allegations against UNRWA last week. In response, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's Commissioner-General, swiftly took action by terminating nine out of the 12 staff members implicated upon receiving the complaint.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres revealed that one staff member has been confirmed dead, while efforts are ongoing to ascertain the identities of the remaining two individuals.

Concerns Over Humanitarian Impact

Suspending funding for Gaza's major humanitarian aid provider by donor countries has sparked apprehension among key observers, who are concerned that this move may worsen hunger in the region.

Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, pleaded with donors, stating, "Donors, do not starve children for the sins of a few individual aid workers."

UN-appointed expert Michael Fakhri warned that the funding cuts make famine "inevitable" in Gaza, a region already grappling with numerous challenges. Even before the recent conflict, UNRWA had been struggling to secure funding, prompting warnings of a potential collapse.

Similarly, in a plea to donor nations, Guterres has also called for the continuation of funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), stressing the essential support it provides to two million civilians in Gaza for their daily survival.

Guterres acknowledged the concerns stemming from recent allegations against UNRWA staff members but emphasized the critical need to uphold operations for the vulnerable populations they serve.

The move to pause UNRWA funding has also elicited varied reactions from the international community. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry expressed surprise and predicted more suffering for Palestinians, while the Turkish Foreign Ministry urged countries to reconsider their decisions.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, meanwhile, accused Israel of leading an oppressive campaign against the agency, framing it as an attempt to "liquidate the issue of Palestinian refugees."

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri characterized Israeli accusations against UNRWA as a challenge to the International Court of Justice's recent decision ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza.

Despite the growing controversy, Norway and Ireland have declared their intention to continue funding UNRWA. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized the agency's role as a lifeline for millions in distress in Gaza and the wider region.