Australia has decided to restart its financial support to the United Nations’ primary agency aiding Palestinians, announced Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Friday. This decision comes nearly two months after Australia halted its ties with the agency due to allegations of some of its employees being involved in a Hamas attack on Israel.
After consulting with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and other donors, Australia is convinced that the aid agency is not linked to terrorism, stated Wong. She mentioned that additional measures would be put in place to safeguard the aid money. Consequently, Australia will release $3.9 million in paused funding immediately to support UNRWA’s humanitarian efforts.
Wong emphasized the urgent need to assist starving children and families in the region, highlighting UNRWA’s crucial role in delivering essential aid. Over a dozen countries had suspended funding to UNRWA earlier, following Israel’s accusation that some of its employees were involved in a Hamas attack in October.
UNRWA has initiated an investigation into these allegations, and some staff members were terminated after Israel provided evidence to the agency. Despite the setback, several countries, including Sweden, Canada, and the European Union, have resumed funding partially. The head of UNRWA expressed optimism that more donors would follow suit soon.
In addition to resuming funding for UNRWA, Australia announced further financial assistance. They allocated $4 million to UNICEF and $2 million to another UN facility specifically for Gaza. Furthermore, Australia will provide 140 parachutes to Jordan and the United Arab Emirates for air drops of aid in the region.
Regarding concerns about Palestinians stranded due to Australia’s cancellation of temporary visas, Wong noted that all applicants undergo security checks. She redirected inquiries about this issue to the Minister for Home Affairs.
Australia’s decision to resume funding to UNRWA reflects its commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians in need. With increased safeguards in place, Australia aims to ensure that its assistance reaches those who require it the most, contributing to stability and well-being in the region.
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