"I urge the National Post to clarify that investigations by the UN and independent bodies have found no systemic links between UNRWA and Hamas. If you’re going to borrow the body text of syndicated press, you ought to include the section where they explicitly state that Israeli allegations against UNRWA employees remain unproven and do not rely on unverified claims without context."
February 21, 2025
Dear Mr. Roberts and Ms. Taylor,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to express my concerns regarding your article "Conservatives silent on foreign aid to Afghanistan, but cash to Ukraine is safe," authored by Stephanie Taylor with files by the Canadian Press.
The article presents a misleading and unbalanced portrayal of Canada’s foreign aid policy, particularly regarding UNRWA, by failing to provide critical context and uncritically repeating unverified allegations.
The article states that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre plans to cut funding to UNRWA, aligning with former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to do the same, “amid allegations of its ties to Hamas.” This portrayal is misleading, as investigations by the UN and independent bodies have consistently found no systemic links between UNRWA and Hamas. According to UNRWA themselves, they have not received any specific allegations regarding systemic diversion of aid in Gaza by Hamas or other armed groups. Should it be revealed to be the case, UNRWA has stated it would strongly condemn any diversion of humanitarian supplies. UNRWA's distribution of aid is implemented through a robust system of oversight and checks, ensuring the safety and appropriate use of the aid
In 2010, Canada significantly reduced its aid to UNRWA, cutting back from over $34 million in 2007. This decision was part of a broader pattern during the Harper administration, which included cutting funding to various Canadian non-governmental organizations, particularly those addressing issues related to Israel and Palestine. These actions were politically motivated, aiming to align with pro-Israel foreign policy stances by the Conservative government in the Middle East. The Liberal government restored funding in 2016 precisely because UNRWA is essential for humanitarian aid and operates under strict oversight.
This baseless attack ignores and is a gross misrepresentation of the agency and a clear example of anti-Palestinian racism. Please correct this inaccurate claim
The article further states:
"Canada was among countries which decided to freeze funds after allegations from Israel emerged that some of its employees were involved in the deadly Hamas terrorist attacks against southern Israel in October 2023."
Again, this statement is problematic because it fails to mention that these allegations remain unproven. As the Canadian Press reported in their version of the story, no independent investigation has yet verified them. Many countries, including Spain and Norway, have resumed their funding after reviewing the available evidence and concluding that Israel’s claims lacked sufficient proof. The Canadian government itself resumed funding after an internal review, expressing confidence that UNRWA’s accountability mechanisms had been strengthened.
I urge the National Post to clarify that investigations by the UN and independent bodies have found no systemic links between UNRWA and Hamas. If you’re going to borrow the body text of syndicated press, you ought to include the section where they explicitly state that Israeli allegations against UNRWA employees remain unproven and do not rely on unverified claims without context.
I urge you to make the necessary revisions. I will also be corresponding with the Canadian Press over this editorialized rewrite of their work.
I await your response,
Anthony Issa
Media Analyst
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME)