On July 1, at the United Nations, Ambassador Jeff Bartos emphasized a choice for donors. They could either support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees or opt for a structure aiming for peace and stability in Gaza. He described this as an opportunity for real and lasting change.
Recently, another country in Europe ceased funding the UN agency that assists Palestinians. Finland joined the U.S. and Sweden in stopping donations to UNRWA. This organization is currently under scrutiny for possible links to Gaza’s terrorist leadership. The USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) and UN Watch have accused UNRWA members of participating in the October 7, 2023 terror attacks in Israel.
Finland announced the end of its funding to UNRWA by 2026. A statement by Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed the decision, revealing no new international partners yet for channeling support in the region.
Despite some countries’ continued financial support for UNRWA, Sweden halted its funding by December 2024, redirecting aid through other UN entities for Gaza. The potential changes in aid delivery are vital to the Trump-backed Board of Peace, focused on a future without conflict in Gaza.
An official associated with the Board of Peace remarked that there is growing international wariness regarding UNRWA. The Board of Peace aims to replace UNRWA with safer, credible partners to serve Gaza’s people better.
The international community’s growing concerns around UNRWA are supported by damning evidence. We will work solely with trusted partners to ensure Gaza is both demilitarized and deradicalized.
An ongoing investigation by the USAID OIG involves about 1,500 UNRWA members on suspicion of terrorist activities. Referrals of 108 UNRWA staff to the State Department suggest their suspension or exclusion from US-funded work. As findings emerge, officials believe many countries might reevaluate the role of UNRWA.
A senior US official highlighted that the OIG’s reports could prevent terrorist-linked staff from joining future credible aid organizations in Gaza.
An analysis by UN Watch claims that around 12% of UNRWA’s Gaza staff have terror links. Hillel Neuer, UN Watch’s Executive Director, commended Finland for defunding UNRWA. He urged more nations to follow this example, suggesting aid can go through genuine humanitarian agencies like the World Food Programme.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s spokesperson expressed gratitude for Finland’s past contributions and encouraged member states to continue supporting UNRWA’s important work. Finland’s recent funding totaled about $23.23 million, ceasing post-2026.
Neuer emphasized that defunding UNRWA is essential for deradicalization and peace in Gaza. He argued that UNRWA has long been a barrier to peace, diverting focus from building Palestinian society towards a contentious ‘right of return.’
Beth Bailey reports on UN activities, antisemitism, and conflict regions for Fox News.