The nations were one of 16 countries who last month halted hundreds of millions of dollars in support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency after Israel made allegations about it
The nations were one of 16 countries who last month halted hundreds of millions of dollars in support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency after Israel made allegations about itto United Nations Relief and Works Agency in response to Israel accusing at least 12 of its staff of involvement in Hamas’ 7 October attack on the country.
Sweden today said it would send 200 million kronor initially, after UNRWA agreed to more checks on its spending and staff. Canada said on Friday that it would re-start funding for UNRWA as Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen said the country has been reassured after receiving an interim report from the United Nations investigation of Israel’s allegations. Mr Hussen said the government is “resuming its funding to UNRWA so more can be done to respond to the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians”. The nation’s reversal came as a ship bearing tonnes of humanitarian aid today made preparations to leave Cyprus for Gaza after international donors launched a sea corridor to supply the territory. Sweden’s decision followed a similar moves by the European Commission which earlier this month that it would release €50m in UNRWA funding. UNRWA has warns that it could collapse and leave Gaza’s already desperate population of more than two million people with even less medical and other assistance.“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is devastating and the needs are acute,” development minister Johan Forssell said in Sweden’s announcement, adding that the UNRWA had agreed to increased transparency and stricter oversight and controls. Sweden will give the UNRWA half of the 38 million dollar funding it promised for this year, with more to come. Israel had accused 12 of UNRWA’s thousands of employees of participating in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people and took about 250 others hostage. Countries including the United States quickly suspended funding to UNRWA worth about 450 million dollars , almost half its budget for the year. The UN has launched investigations, and the UNRWA has been agreeing to outside audits to win back donor support. The daily number of aid trucks entering Gaza since the war has been far below the 500 that entered before October 7 because of Israeli restrictions and security issues. The US military said that its planes on Saturday airdropped more than 41,000 “meal equivalents” and 23,000 bottles of water into northern Gaza, the hardest part of the enclave to access. The health ministry in Gaza said that two more people, including a two-month-old infant, had died as a result of malnutrition, raising the total number of people who died from hunger to 25. UNRWA is the biggest aid agency operating in Gaza, with more than two million relying on its services. Formed in 1949, it employs about 13,000 people who provide urgent humanitarian aid, including healthcare and education, in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The agency has also provided shelter to hundreds and thousands of refugees since the outbreak of the conflict after the October 7 attacks.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UNICEF: Rafah situation ‘catastrophic’ and Israeli ground assault ‘unimaginable’Palestinians have started leaving southern Gaza's main hospital - after Israeli forces ordered them to evacuate.
Read more »
The Palestinians’ new prime minister faces a nightmareThe PA says it is preparing for an “emerging reality” in Gaza
Read more »
Over 100 dead as Israel opens fire on Gazans scrambling for food, say PalestiniansIn Gaza, health ministry numbers show the death toll has now passed thirty thousand. And growing desperation has led to even more tragedy near Gaza City. Palestinian health officials say Israeli troops opened fire on a crowd waiting for food aid, killing 112 people and injuring 760 others.
Read more »
Joe Biden rebukes Israel over Gaza aid and says US will begin airdropsMove follows death of dozens of Palestinians during chaotic delivery of humanitarian goods
Read more »
US begins Gaza aid airdrops after Joe Biden rebukes IsraelFlights follow deaths of dozens of Palestinians during chaotic delivery of humanitarian goods
Read more »
Sweden finally becomes full NATO member after two-year wait following Russia's invasion of UkraineSweden has finally joined Nato after a lengthy two-year wait following its application to join the military alliance in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Read more »