The European Union calls for an audit of the UN agency’s performance

The European Union, Monday, January 29, called for an audit of the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), 2023 in Israel, following allegations of possible involvement of some of its staff in the 7 October Hamas attacks. “We ask them to agree to an audit carried out by independent experts selected by the European Commission”His spokesman Eric Memmer said.

The European Commission clarified in a press release that it will decide whether to suspend its funding to UNRWA, “ In light of the findings of the investigation announced by the UN and the measures it will take”. She added that no payments were expected until the end of February. “It is only right that we call for these allegations to be clarified and investigated when we are one of the major donors”

humanitarian and development aid to the Palestinians, Mr. Memmer added.

Also Read | Articles are reserved for our subscribers Amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, plunged into turmoil.

Based on information provided by Israel, the UN said on Friday that twelve UNRWA staff were suspected of having participated. “Alleged Heinous Acts” During Hamas attacks on Israeli soil.

Ten countries have so far suspended their funding

Ten countries have so far announced the suspension of all future funding to the UN agency. The United States announced on Friday that it would immediately freeze all future financial contributions, followed by Canada, Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan and Austria.

Switzerland, for its part, indicated it was waiting to receive more information before deciding on its assistance to UNRWA, as did France, which announced on Sunday that it had no plans. “New Payment” On the agency for the first quarter of the year. Norway, on the other hand, has informed that it is maintaining its funding.

Israel, who hopes “put an end to”

All activities of the agency, said it wants to ensure that UNRWA “Will not part” Settlement in the Palestinian Territory after the war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Movement. For the Palestinian Authority, UNRWA on the contrary needs“Maximum Support” And “It’s not like we cut off support and aid.”.

Services and operations are at risk “after the end of February”.

“If funding is not restored, UNRWA will not be able to continue its services and operations in the region, including Gaza, after the end of February”, an UNRWA spokesperson said, according to Reuters. The UN agency distanced itself from the staff involved.

UNRWA, established in 1949 after the First Israeli-Palestinian War, assists Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon with health, education, humanitarian aid. According to the 2022 list, its main donors are the United States, Germany and the European Union.

Also Read | What is UNRWA, to which many countries have suspended their payments?

Its role is crucial in helping the population of the Gaza Strip under fire from the Israeli army since October 7, 2023. Hamas attacks on Israeli soil killed about 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Agence France-Presse based official Israeli figures. In response, Israel promised“destroy”

Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, has launched a massive military operation that has killed 26,422 people, mostly women, children and teenagers, according to the latest report from the Islamic Movement’s health ministry.

Le Monde with AFP and Reuters