After terror allegations

EU funds for UN relief organization in Gaza flow again

The damaged UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City

(Bild: APA/AFP)

The EU Commission wants to disburse funds again to the UN Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which has come under criticism. A first tranche of 50 million euros is to be paid out next week. At the end of January, it became known that UNRWA employees were allegedly involved in the Hamas terrorist attack. The Commission then initiated an audit of the funds.

The Brussels authority announced on Friday that UNRWA had agreed to a review as a prerequisite for the money to be transferred again. External experts appointed by the EU are to scrutinize the aid organization's control systems, which are intended to prevent UNRWA employees from becoming involved in terrorist activities. The EU Commission intends to make a total of 82 million euros available to the Palestinian relief organization this year.

A further 68 million in emergency aid
In addition, a further 68 million euros will be provided this year as emergency aid for the Palestinians. The money should go to international partners such as the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, the Commission said on Friday.

Innocent people should not have to pay the price for Hamas' crimes.

EU-Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen

Bild: APA/AFP/JOHN THYS

"Innocent Palestinians should not have to pay the price for the crimes of the terrorist group Hamas," said EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a statement. "They are facing terrible conditions that endanger their lives because they do not have access to sufficient food and other basic needs. That is why we are increasing our support for them this year by a further 68 million euros."

Investigations underway
UNRWA recently warned that it would have to stop all of its work within a few weeks if promised funds were not paid. Several Western countries, including Austria, suspended payments to UNRWA at the end of January. This was due to Israeli accusations that employees of the aid organization were involved in the Hamas attack on Israeli border territory on October 7. An investigation is currently underway. Many civilians in the Gaza Strip are dependent on UN aid.

Meanwhile, Austria's payments remain suspended. "The United Nations must be above reproach. We therefore welcome the ongoing investigations. Until the allegations have been clarified and there is clarity about the consequences, Austrian payments to UNRWA will remain suspended," said the Foreign Ministry.