Canada to send almost $30 million in aid for Gaza after pausing UNRWA funds

Canada plans to send about $30 million in aid, including water, food and other humanitarian aid, to Gaza after suspending funding from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

funds, Announced on Tuesday The award from Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, will be given to six international organizations, including Canada’s non-governmental organization partners.

The international organizations that will receive part of the package are UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund, the World Health Organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the World Food Programme. The highest share will be nearly $12 million, according to a statement shared by Global Affairs Canada.

“Since the beginning of the crisis, our position has always been, and continues to be, centered on the firm belief that we need more support, not less,” Hussen said in a statement on Tuesday. ” he said. “In line with this commitment, we are stepping up additional emergency funding and our trusted and experienced humanitarian partners continue to ensure this funding reaches the most vulnerable people in their time of need. I am.”

Assistance also includes protective services, emergency medical assistance and other life-saving support.

Hussen’s announcement comes as some countries, including Canada, have suspended funding to UNRWA following allegations that some UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Ta.

In light of the allegations, the United States suspended funding to UNRWA last week.

President Biden’s U.N. ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, called for “fundamental changes” within the U.N. before Washington can resume funding.

“UNRWA brought this information to us and they are investigating it. We know we need to see fundamental changes before we can resume direct funding,” Thomas-Greenfield said.