Australian officials scrambled to understand allegations against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) before suspending funding to the agency, according to documents obtained by Guardian Australia.
The documents show that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) rushed to gather information after Israel alleged that 12 UNRWA staffers were involved in Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Emails Reveal Internal Discussions
The emails shed light on internal discussions that occurred prior to the Australian government’s decision in late January to pause $6 million in emergency funding to UNRWA. The emails show some officials considered UNRWA “vital” for delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Australian Government Pauses Funding
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on January 27 that the $6 million in funding would be temporarily paused, following similar moves by other countries, including the United States.
Emails Show Scramble for Information
Emails obtained under freedom of information laws show that the Australian embassy in Washington DC quickly informed Canberra about the US decision to suspend funds to UNRWA. Australian ambassador to the UN James Larsen advised Canberra that he had requested further information from UNRWA and would consult with allies.
DFAT Seeks Reports on Global Reaction
Shortly after Wong’s statement, DFAT sent an urgent request to Australian diplomats around the world to compile reports on how other countries were reacting to the allegations against UNRWA staff.
Funding Eventually Restored
It took seven weeks for Australia to reinstate the $6 million in funding to UNRWA, after similar moves by other countries.
Key Points
- Australia paused $6 million in funding to UNRWA after Israel alleged Hamas infiltration of the agency.
- DFAT officials scrambled to understand the allegations before suspending funding.
- Australia eventually restored funding after other countries did the same.
- The Israeli government has long raised concerns about UNRWA’s neutrality.
**This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not endorse any specific viewpoint.**░
Note: The Blog post was taken from the Guardian
