An independent review into the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has found that Israel has not backed up claims that agency staff were members of “terrorist” groups.
The review, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna and supported by three Nordic research institutes, makes clear that Israel failed to support its claims about UNRWA staff belonging to either Hamas’s military wing or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
In January, Israel accused UNRWA staff members of abetting an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 people. However, the Colonna report notes that Israel has not provided any supporting evidence or responded to requests from UNRWA for names and evidence.
Based on the Israeli accusations, 18 donor countries, including the United States, suspended funding to UNRWA. However, most donors have since reversed their positions and resumed funding, with some, such as the European Union, increasing their spending. Only Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US have maintained funding suspensions.
The Colonna review highlights the importance of UNRWA’s work in Gaza, where famine threatens millions due to restricted food convoys. The suspension of funding has significantly impacted UNRWA’s ability to provide essential humanitarian aid and services, including food, healthcare, and education.
UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma expressed concern about the agency’s funding situation, stating that it has enough funds to carry it through June but is uncertain about future funding. She emphasized that no other agency can do what UNRWA does, particularly in Gaza, where it operates throughout the territory providing aid and education.
The review calls for UNRWA to be allowed to work in Gaza without restrictions and with the full support of the international community, recognizing its “indispensible” role in providing life-saving humanitarian aid and essential social services to Palestinian refugees.
