Sweden and Canada have taken significant steps toward renewing their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), following allegations that led to a pause in funding. This announcement, made on March 9, 2024, marks a reversal in the stance taken by several countries after Israel accused UNRWA staff members of being involved in a Hamas attack. Sweden has committed to an initial payment of 200 million kronor out of a total allocation of 400 million kronor for the year 2024, contingent upon increased financial oversight within UNRWA. Similarly, Canada, through its Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen, confirmed the reinstatement of its aid, emphasizing the urgent humanitarian needs of Palestinian civilians and the importance of accountability and reform within the agency.

This decision coincides with a broader international movement to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been significantly impacted by ongoing conflict with Israel. The European Commission has also pledged €50m in funding to support UNRWA’s efforts in the region. The agency is critical in mitigating the effects of the conflict, including a looming famine exacerbated by months of Israeli bombardment, with approximately 30,900 casualties reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry and a significant portion of the population facing food insecurity.

In response to the humanitarian crisis, the EU, UK, US, and other countries are coordinating efforts to establish a sea route for delivering aid directly to Gaza. This comes amid reports of widespread abuses, including coercion of UNRWA staff by Israeli authorities, which the agency seeks to address through increased accountability measures.

Meanwhile, in the UK, Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf has defended the allocation of £250,000 to UNRWA amid accusations of a conflict of interest, citing the decision as a response to a dire humanitarian crisis. These allegations, which Yousaf has strongly denied as Islamophobic, underscore the complex political dynamics surrounding the funding and administration of humanitarian aid.

The controversy surrounding UNRWA and the funding pause has sparked rallies and protests across the UK, with thousands gathering in London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. High-profile figures, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and singer Charlotte Church, have participated in these demonstrations, calling attention to the humanitarian impact of the conflict and the need for continued support.

As international support for UNRWA begins to resume, the focus remains on delivering urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the critical role of international cooperation in addressing one of the most pressing crises of our time.