The two countries were among 16 countries to freeze funding after Israeli allegations that at least 12 UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 attack by Hamas
In the wake of the humanitarian crisis affecting the civilians of Gaza and at a time when international efforts to deal with it are intensifying after the statement of the American president on the creation of a humanitarian corridor, Sweden and Canada have decided to “unfreeze” aid to UNRWA.
In particular, according to the BBC, Sweden and Canada said they would restart funding for UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
The two countries it was among 16 countries that cut off funding following accusations by Israel that at least 12 UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 attack by Hamas.
The UN is investigating and France’s foreign minister is leading the review.
Sweden said on Saturday it would send an initial 200 million kroner (15 million pounds, $19 million) after UNRWA agreed to more controls on its spending and staff.
“The government has allocated 400 million crowns to UNRWA for the year 2024. Today’s decision concerns a first payment of 200 million crowns,” she said in a statement.
The development comes after Canada said on Friday it would resume funding for UNRWA while investigations into the agency’s staff continue.
UNRWA is the largest UN agency operating in Gaza. It provides health care, education and other humanitarian assistance while employing approximately 13,000 people in the region.
The European Commission said earlier this month that it would release 50 million euros of UNRWA funding.
Sweden is the fourth largest funder of the organization and Canada the 11th. Canada’s decision was announced on Friday by the country’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen.
He said that the decision was made so that “there will be a greater response to the urgent needs of Palestinian citizens”, but it is also “recognition of the serious investigation that is being carried out”.
The Canadian Armed Forces will also donate about 300 cargo parachutes to Jordan so they can be used to drop supplies into Gaza.
On Friday, the EU, UK, US and others said they planned to open a sea corridor to Gaza that could become operational this weekend to deliver aid.
Source :Skai
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