Sweden has announced it will cease funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides support to Palestinian refugees, redirecting its humanitarian assistance to Gaza through alternative organizations. This important shift, articulated by Sweden’s aid minister Benjamin Dousa, follows Israel's recent legislative decision to bar UNRWA from operating within its territory starting late January 2025.
On Friday, Dousa informed Swedish broadcaster TV4 about the decision, attributing it directly to the complications posed by Israel's ban on UNRWA, which will make it increasingly difficult to channel aid through the agency. "Large parts of UNRWA’s operations in Gaza are either going to be severely weakened or completely impossible," Dousa stated, highlighting the urgent need for Sweden's assistance to remain effective and reach its intended recipients.
The decision from Sweden reflects broader geopolitical tensions; Israel has consistently accused UNRWA of having ties to groups like Hamas. Notably, Israeli authorities have claimed involvement of agency employees in the brutal October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas, which intensified the current conflict. Investigations resulted in the termination of several employees linked to those allegations.
Sweden’s planned humanitarian aid to Gaza will significantly increase from 451 million kronor (approximately $41 million) this year to 800 million kronor (around $72 million) next year, as per the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This aid will be routed through other agencies, including the UN World Food Programme, UNICEF, the UN Population Fund, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
This decision has drawn both criticism and support. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, expressed disappointment, asserting, "This is a sad day for Palestine Refugees and the multilateral system which Sweden has spearheaded." He emphasized the importance of UNRWA’s role, noting it provides indispensable services to nearly six million Palestinian refugees scattered across Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.
On the other hand, Israeli officials have welcomed Sweden’s decision. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel praised the Nordic country for choosing to cease its UNRWA funding. "There are worthy and viable alternatives for humanitarian aid, and I appreciate the willingness to listen and adopt a different approach," she stated during a meeting with Dousa.
The political backdrop for this funding shift also reflects rising frustration with the UN agency from various international parties. Critics, including officials from Israel, have pointed to allegations of UNRWA’s ties to terrorist activities and accused it of failing to maintain the neutrality expected of UN organizations. Dousa also referred to UNRWA experiencing "a crisis of confidence," alluding to these mounting tensions.
While Sweden plans to redirect its aid, the Palestinian embassy in Stockholm has strongly criticized the move, asserting, "We reject the idea of finding alternatives to UNRWA," stressing the unique mandate of the agency to address Palestinian refugee needs. This conflict of interests highlights the deep-seated divisions over how best to deliver humanitarian aid within the current geopolitical climate.
Current discussions surrounding humanitarian aid and the operations of UNRWA are set against the backdrop of extensive conflict. According to UN figures, the war initiated by Hamas's attack has led to incalculable casualties, with estimates indicating over 45,000 Palestinian deaths since the onset of hostilities. These figures fuel the urgency of international intervention and humanitarian assistance.
On the international stage, the UN General Assembly has reiterated its support for UNRWA, calling for Israel to respect the agency's operational mandates and enable it to function without restrictions. This resolution came shortly before Sweden’s announcement, increasing the stakes for both humanitarian assistance and diplomatic relations.
With these significant shifts, the situation remains fluid and complex, underscoring the challenges of humanitarian aid delivery amid political pressures. Sweden's decision marks just one example of the tinkering diplomatic currents affecting aid strategies aimed at supporting Palestinian refugees and addresses the difficulties of ensuring assistance reaches vulnerable populations.
Looking forward, as Sweden prepares to implement its new funding strategy, the broader debate surrounding the effectiveness and legitimacy of UNRWA continues to evolve, drawing attention from around the globe. The humanitarian needs remain pressing, prompting calls for transparency, accountability, and innovative solutions to the age-old crisis.
