Sweden Ends Funding to UNRWA, Shifts Humanitarian Aid Focus to Other Channels

Sweden has officially ended its funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and will instead channel humanitarian aid to Gaza through alternative organizations. This move, announced by Sweden's Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa, follows growing concerns about the UN agency's alleged ties to Hamas. Dousa explained that there were both humanitarian and political reasons behind this decision.

"UNRWA has faced accusations of collaborating with Hamas, and it’s clear that we must redirect our resources," Dousa stated in an interview with Swedish TV4. Sweden has instead identified alternatives such as the World Food Programme to address the urgent humanitarian needs of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. Sweden will increase its overall humanitarian assistance to Gaza by 400 million kronor.

In 2023, Sweden was the fourth-largest donor to UNRWA, contributing $61 million out of the agency’s $1.16 billion budget. However, following the October 7 attack in Gaza, Sweden temporarily suspended its support to UNRWA after evidence emerged suggesting the organization’s staff may have been involved with Hamas.

Israeli intelligence reports claim that at least 12 UNRWA employees were linked to Hamas during the October 7 attacks, and many others have ties to terror groups. In response, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation, Johan Forssel, emphasized that aid must go to organizations free from terrorist affiliations.

Despite the controversy, Sweden has decided to resume partial funding to UNRWA in 2024. The Swedish government allocated SEK 200 million to the agency under a new conditional agreement aimed at ensuring aid goes directly to those in need, with assurances regarding the agency’s internal operations.