Sweden and Canada pledge to resume aid to UN Gaza agency after Hamas attack

Sweden and Canada have announced their plans to resume aid payments to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) following a pause in funding by 16 countries. This decision comes after Israel accused at least 12 UNRWA staff members of involvement in an attack by Hamas on October 7, leading to investigations being conducted by the UN. Sweden committed to sending 200 million kronor initially, with a total allocation of 400 million kronor for 2024 after UNRWA agreed to enhanced oversight on its finances and staff. Meanwhile, Canada also declared that they would restart funding for UNRWA while investigations are ongoing. The recent conflict in the region has resulted in a significant loss of life and a severe humanitarian crisis, with the UN reporting that a quarter of Gaza’s population is on the brink of famine and children are dying of starvation. The decision to resume aid from Sweden and Canada, as well as pledges from other countries like the European Commission, marks a critical step in addressing the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The move to open a sea route to deliver aid and the donation of cargo parachutes for airdrops highlight the international community’s efforts to provide essential support to the affected population. With UNRWA being the largest UN agency operating in Gaza, the resumption of funding from key contributors like Sweden and Canada is expected to have a significant impact on the ongoing relief efforts in the region.