Aid to the organization was suspended in January following allegations that several employees of the UN agency were involved in the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7. But now the Swedish support is being resumed.
SD critical
Sweden Democrats’ party leader Jimmie Åkesson strongly criticizes the government’s decision in a long post on Facebook.
“I and the Sweden Democrats are very concerned about the government’s announcement about the Unrwa aid.” he writes.
“Resumed aid via Unrwa risks having the opposite effect. You are taking on an enormous responsibility if you resume Gaza aid to UNRWA”
Johansson: “Took too long”
Morgan Johansson (S) believes that it is good that the government has decided to resume aid, but that it has taken too long.
– It is not wise that it should take so long before the Swedish government turns on the issue, says Morgan Johansson (S).
“Disproportionately”
Aid was suspended pending the two investigations being carried out to ensure Unrwa’s impartiality following the allegations. Something that Johansson (S) is critical of.
– You investigate the individual individuals, but that is no argument for letting perhaps thousands of people starve to death. Because that hill will be the consequence if the emergency aid does not reach Gaza, says Johansson (S).
Forssell: It’s about tax money
Aid Minister Johan Forssell (M) does not think it was the wrong decision to pause the aid. He is satisfied that Unrwa has now given Sweden “written assurances” that the contribution will not end up in the wrong hands.
– It is Swedish tax money that is involved. They should always go to the right things. They should never come close to terrorism, he tells SVT.