What experts think of Canada suspending funding to UNRWA over Oct. 7 allegations
CTV
Canada and 10 other nations announced this week they will suspend funding for UNRWA, a UN agency that supports Palestinians, after Israel alleged some of its staff played a role in the Hamas attack last October. Now, global affairs experts are worried Canada and the other nations' decision could have grave consequences for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Canada and 10 other nations announced this week they will suspend funding for UNRWA, a UN agency that supports Palestinians, after Israel alleged some of its staff played a role in the Hamas attack last October.
The director of the agency said it terminated the suspected staff, but warned on Monday that it won't be able to continue operations beyond February if support is not restored. Now, global affairs experts are worried Canada and the other nations' decision to pause funding could have grave consequences for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Yves Fortier, former Canadian ambassador to the UN, appeared on CTV News Channel on Monday to discuss Canada's decision and why he hopes it is only temporary.
"There are bad apples in every basket," Fortier said in reference to the dozen UNRWA employees who are accused of aiding Hamas, in an agency with over more than 13,000 staff in the Gaza Strip.
"I visited the agency's headquarters in Gaza Strip, they're doing a lot of good vis-à-vis Palestinians who need, particularly at this moment, assistance and food and water."
Japan and Austria were the latest countries to suspend funding for the UN agency. The 11 countries taking part in the pausing of funds account for more than 60 per cent of UNRWA's funding, according to its website.
Global affairs analyst Michael Bociurkiw also appeared on CTV New Channel on Monday to discuss the updated list of nations pausing their funding, and how it can get worse for an organization that was already cash starved and underfunded.
