Sweden has officially ceased its financial contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa announced the decision during an interview with TV4, stating that Stockholm would now channel its humanitarian assistance to Gaza through alternative avenues.
The decision follows intensified international scrutiny of UNRWA’s operations after the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israeli communities near the Gaza border, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage.
Israel Welcomes Sweden’s Decision
Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli commended the move, accusing UNRWA of complicity in Hamas’s actions.
“UNRWA, whose personnel actively participated in the October 7 atrocities, whose facilities became terror hubs, and whose schools spread Hamas propaganda, has lost its legitimacy to exist,” Chikli stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Knesset member Yulia Malinovsky, who sponsored legislation to cut Israel’s ties with UNRWA, also praised the development.
“When Israel takes decisive action, the world follows,” she said, adding that Sweden’s decision mirrors Israel’s recent efforts to delegitimize the agency.
UNRWA Under Growing Scrutiny
UNRWA has faced allegations of harboring Hamas operatives and enabling militant activities. In February, Israeli forces uncovered a Hamas complex beneath UNRWA’s Gaza City headquarters, escalating concerns.
- Hamas Ties: Israeli intelligence implicated UNRWA staff in supporting Hamas, including involvement in the October 7 attacks.
- Financial Concerns: Israel’s largest bank froze UNRWA’s accounts over suspicious activity earlier this year.
- Internal Investigations: A UN probe resulted in the termination of nine employees, though Israeli officials criticized the investigation as inadequate.
In May, UNRWA was evicted from its Jerusalem offices over lease violations, further fueling its critics.
A Unique and Controversial Mandate
Unlike the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which addresses global refugee crises, UNRWA exclusively serves Palestinian refugees and their descendants, a point of contention for its detractors. Critics argue this mandate perpetuates dependency and leaves the agency vulnerable to exploitation by militant groups.
Global Reassessment of UNRWA
Sweden’s decision aligns with a broader international reevaluation of UNRWA’s role and legitimacy. Earlier this year, Israel officially cut ties with the agency, and several lawsuits have been filed accusing it of aiding Hamas.
Humanitarian Aid Continues Through Other Channels
Despite halting UNRWA funding, Sweden has pledged to maintain its humanitarian support for Gaza, ensuring aid reaches those in need without potential ties to militant activities.
Call for Accountability
As debates over UNRWA’s future continue, international leaders emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in delivering humanitarian assistance to conflict zones like Gaza.
