Days after reports emerged that the Liberal government would resume funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency despite concerning links to Hamas, two Liberal MPs have called on Ottawa to ditch the organization once again.
In a joint statement released Thursday, MPs Anthony Housefather and Marco Mendicino voiced their objections to relying on UNRWA as a conduit for aid distribution to Gaza.
The MPs stood by Canada’s recent decision to suspend funding to UNRWA, echoing similar actions taken by G7 partners and other allies.
Citing recent allegations implicating UNRWA employees in a Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, the MPs expressed deep concern about providing the group more funding.
“We are deeply troubled by the allegations that UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel,” wrote Housefather and Mendicino.
“In addition, UNRWA employees have been sanctioned in the past for facilitating terrorist activity and for using antisemitic materials in educational textbooks. This misconduct has contributed to the spread of violence, disinformation and hate.”
After the two MPs released their letter, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters Canada would “continue to move thoughtfully forward.”
“We know how important it is to get aid into Gaza to help families, innocent civilians. The people who have been devastated by the past two months facing starvation, facing instability and uncertainty. We know we need to continue to be there for them,” said Trudeau.
“At the same time, there are serious allegations being followed up by the United Nations and we’re going to continue to move thoughtfully forward but our priority will always be being there to protect innocent lives.”
These actions, according to Housefather and Mendicino, have contributed to the perpetuation of violence, misinformation, and hatred in the region.
They argued that UNRWA’s governance and internal controls are inadequate to ensure the reliable delivery of aid to those in need, raising fears of funds being misappropriated by Hamas.
“Given its history, we believe that UNRWA lacks sufficient governance and internal controls to ensure that humanitarian aid delivered by Canada will be reliably delivered to those who actually need it and that there is a serious risk funds will be misappropriated by Hamas,” the two MPs argued.
“The independent investigation reports into UNRWA have yet to be released. Consequently, serious questions remain as to UNRWA’s ability to reform its structure.”
Housefather and Mendicino insisted that the federal government continue to aid refugees in Gaza but using different means by aligning with other allies like the United States, which has sought avenues other than the UNRWA to provide humanitarian assistance.
Funding was paused to the UNRWA by the Liberals in January after reports emerged unveiling ties to Hamas. Earlier this week, CBC News reported that Ottawa plans to resume funding the UNRWA after receiving requests from the United Nations.
