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.
Dear National Post editorial newsroom,
I am writing to you on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to express concern over the article “Avi Benlolo: Carney doles out cash to Palestinians. Canadians ask 'what about us'?”I take issue with the manner in which Benlolo frames UNRWA in this specific paragraph:"On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly this week, Prime Minister Carney pledged an additional $100 million toward Palestinian assistance. This amount is in addition to the $600 million Canada has given to the Palestinians since 2023, mainly funnelled through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), some of whose staff have been accused of participating in the October 7 massacre."
The statement that UNRWA staff participated in the October 7 attacks is misleading.
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.
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.
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