Canada resumes UNRWA funding paused after alleged staff role in Israel attacks

Canada has resumed funding of the United Nations agency charged with delivering aid to Palestinians after issuing a temporary pause in January following allegations that staff members may have been involved in the Oct. 7 attacks against Israel.

International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen said in a press release Friday that the UN has implemented several “significant processes to address the allegations.”

“Following allegations that some UNRWA staff were involved in Hamas’s heinous terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, the UN has put in place several significant processes to address the allegations and reinforce its zero tolerance for terror within the UN, including UNRWA,” the statement said.

“Canada has reviewed the interim report of the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) on this matter and looks forward to the final report. Canada commends the independent review of UNRWA currently underway, led by Catherine Colonna, and anticipates reviewing the report assessing UNRWA’s neutrality mechanisms.”

“While these investigative processes continue, UNRWA has taken immediate measures to strengthen oversight, accountability and transparency,” the statement continued.

Hussen says Canada is working to overcome challenges in delivering humanitarian aid and life-saving relief to civilians in Gaza, who need help “as quickly as possible.”

Canada is also helping deliver critical supplies into Gaza by providing support to Jordan and the World Food Programme (WFP) with airdrops, Hussen said. The support includes $100,000 in funding Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation and “substantial” funding to the WFP. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will also provide approximately 300 cargo parachutes to the Royal Jordanian