International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen announced that the Trudeau government would resume funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, despite calls from within the Liberal caucus not to do so.
Hussen’s announcement comes after allegations surfaced in October 2023 that some UNRWA staff may have been involved in Hamas attacks against Israel.
“In recognition of the robust investigative processes underway, UNRWA’s efforts to address serious allegations made against some of its staff, including the implementation of internal measures to improve oversight and accountability, as well as the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, Canada is resuming its funding to UNRWA so more can be done to respond to the urgent needs of Palestinian civilians,” said Hussen.
“Canada will continue to take the allegations against some of UNRWA’s staff extremely seriously and we will remain closely engaged with UNRWA and the UN to pursue accountability and reforms.”
The decision to resume funding follows pressure from some Liberal MPs, including Anthony Housefather and Marco Mendicino, who both called for a complete end to Canadian support for the organization.
Housefather and Mendicino cited concerns about past allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in terrorism and the use of antisemitic materials.
“We are deeply troubled by these allegations,” the MPs wrote in a joint statement released earlier this week.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, however, had not committed to extending the funding ban.
“We will continue to move thoughtfully forward,” Trudeau told reporters on Thursday.
The accusations against several employees of the UNRWA sparked significant concerns that funds were being diverted to Hamas.
Among the allegations are claims of involvement in heinous activities such as kidnapping, distributing ammunition, and participating in a massacre that resulted in the deaths of 97 Jewish civilians.
Several individuals were accused of playing a role in the Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, as outlined in a dossier provided to the United States government by Israel.
