News item | 27-01-2024 | 6:30 PM
The Netherlands freezes future contributions to the UN organization UNRWA. This was decided by Minister Geoffrey van Leeuwen (Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation) after the announcement of an investigation by UNRWA into the alleged involvement of employees in the horrific attacks on Israel on October 7.
Van Leeuwen is awaiting the results of the investigation. In the meantime, no more money will go to UNRWA, not even for new requests because of the situation there.
‘These accusations are too serious. We first need to know exactly what the investigation will reveal and what steps the United Nations is taking. The Netherlands will continue to provide humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza through other means‘, says the minister.
This year, UNRWA will receive 19 million euros from the BHOS budget. That regular payment has already been transferred.