Among other things, UNRWA has relied on health care, education and social services.
The role of UNRWA, the UN aid organization for Palestinian refugees, has been central in Gaza, among other things as a provider of protection and an aid broker, says the professor of Middle East studies Hannu Juusola from the University of Helsinki.
Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio (ps.) said earlier today that Finland’s funding to UNRWA will be temporarily suspended. The suspension of funding is related to allegations of UNRWA workers’ involvement in a Hamas terrorist attack against Israel. UNRWA has said that it has dismissed several employees whom Israel has accused of participating in the attack on Israel by the extremist organization Hamas in October. The organization has also started an investigation into the matter.
According to Juusola, Finland seems to follow the line of the United States and Israel. In addition to the United States, at least Canada, Britain, Australia and Italy have announced the suspension of funding.
There is no information about the length of time the suspension of funding is in question. According to Juusola, time is the most significant factor for Palestinians.
He says that in Gaza, apart from UNRWA, there is little other aid activity targeting civilians. Health care, education and social services in the region have been dependent on the organization.
– It is completely clear that if this situation continues, it will make the position of the Gazans more difficult and make the harsh situation even worse, says Juusola.
It is also not clear what should happen in order for funding to be continued again. The investigation into the accusations of UNRWA employees is still open and there is no concrete information about them.
– Is it a political ploy aimed at putting pressure on the investigations or will the situation continue longer, Juusola ponders.
He hopes that Finland will return the funding if the investigations progress, as the situation increases the suffering of the innocent in the region.
The connection with Hamas is essential for aid activities
UNRWA cannot operate in the region without contact with Hamas. According to Juusola, no aid organization can operate without connections to the entity that administers or controls the area. Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007.
According to him, the same applies to UNRWA’s activities in all other areas.
– UNRWA is a key service provider for the Palestinians, even though Israel has typically publicly criticized and demanded its termination, says Juusola.
According to him, Israel has often under the table allowed and encouraged the activities of UNRWA, because it takes away from Israel the responsibility for the education and care of the population it occupies. Within the framework of international law, care belongs to the occupier, says Juusola.