The European Union announced on Friday that it plans to provide $54 million to the primary aid provider in Gaza next week.
This decision comes after the financially struggling UN agency agreed to permit EU-appointed experts to review its staff screening processes for identifying extremists.
EU to Continue Funding UNRWA
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen holds a press conference during a European Union summit, at the EU headquarters in Brussels, on March 23, 2023. - The two-day summit of the 27 European Union leaders in Brussels aims to build on previous European Council meetings where EU leaders will discuss the latest developments including continued EU support for Ukraine, the economy, energy, and migration.
The UNRWA agency is facing accusations that 12 out of its 13,000 Gaza employees were involved in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel. The agency terminated the employees, while over a dozen countries halted funding totaling around $450 million, nearly half of its budget for 2024.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has forced 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million Palestinians to flee their homes, with UN officials reporting that a quarter of the population is facing starvation. The agency is the primary provider of food, water, and shelter, but it is also teetering on the edge of financial collapse.
The European Commission was scheduled to release $89 million to UNRWA on Feb. 29, but required the agency to agree to its audit conditions. The EU's influential executive branch ranks as the third largest contributor to UNRWA, following the United States and Germany.
Per AP News, the commission stated that the agency is prepared to conduct a review of its staff to verify their non-involvement in the attacks and to implement additional controls to prevent similar risks in the future.
The commission mentioned that the funds will be sent out the following week after UNRWA confirms in writing its acceptance of the EU's conditions. Two additional installments of $17.3 million each will be provided to UNRWA upon their adherence to the agreement.
Expressing his appreciation for the EU's announcement, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini noted that the commitment to provide funding next week is coming at a crucial juncture.
Israel has continuously pointed out UNRWA's alleged tolerance or cooperation with Hamas in or near UN facilities, yet no viable alternative for providing aid to Gaza's trapped population has been proposed by anyone, whether in Israel or internationally.
UNRWA made the decision to promptly dismiss its employees following accusations from Israel, despite the lack of concrete proof. Every year, UNRWA provides a list of its employees to the Israeli authorities for screening, and the organization stated that no complaints have been received.
Two investigations by the United Nations into Israel's accusations against the agency are currently in progress. While the commission was in discussions about its audit, Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič informed EU lawmakers this week that there is no evidence backing Israel's claims about UNWRA's staff involvement in the events on October 7.
Belgian Development Minister Caroline Gennez, from the country currently holding the EU's rotating presidency, tweeted on Friday that UNRWA is the sole organization capable of consistently delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Eliminating funding would result in the loss of life for tens of thousands.
The funding disagreement arises following reports of Israeli troops shooting at Palestinians rushing to retrieve food from an aid convoy in Gaza City. Over 100 individuals lost their lives in the turmoil. Health officials report that the death toll has exceeded 30,000 since October.
EU Expresses Concern Over Israeli Attack Amid Aid Delivery
Moreover, the EU's two top officials expressed their shock and deep concern over the deaths of over 100 Palestinians following the incident involving Israeli troops and an aid delivery, calling for a thorough investigation.
"Shocked and repulsed by yesterday's killing of innocent civilians in Gaza while desperately waiting for humanitarian aid," European Council President Charles Michel posted on X, formerly Twitter.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep concern over the images from Gaza and emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough investigation into the events. According to authorities in Gaza, 115 Palestinians lost their lives on Thursday when Israeli troops fired during an aid delivery.
An Israeli source confirmed that the military fired at the crowd, stating that the soldiers perceived the civilians as a threat. Following Michel and von der Leyen's strong reaction, the European Commission revealed plans to increase aid funding for Palestinians.
The EU mentioned that it was reevaluating its financial support to UNRWA in response to the Israeli accusations, but did not mention suspending it, according to News18.
Related Article: US Blocks UN Motion Blaming Israel Following Deadly Gaza Aid Convoy, Says More Facts Needed
