Israel advocates are requesting the Federal Court to reverse Ottawa’s decision to continue funding the main United Nations agency supporting Palestinians. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, along with Canadians who lost relatives in a Hamas attack, are urging Ottawa to cease funding UNRWA. They argue that the agency’s alleged involvement in the October Hamas attack violates Canada’s law on foreign aid, which requires funding to be consistent with Canadian values. Canada suspended aid to UNRWA in January due to the investigation into staff involvement in the attack, but the Liberals reinstated the funding in March citing the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza and the suspension of implicated staff. CIJA believes funding should not resume until the investigation is completed.
Lawrence Greenspon, who brought the application, suggests that the Canadian government could provide humanitarian relief for Palestinians through alternative agencies instead of UNRWA. He argues that while the funding should be reinstated, it should be channeled through different organizations. UNRWA, a separate entity from the UN refugee agency, has faced criticism from Jewish groups and the Conservatives, who accuse the agency of not upholding neutrality. Israel has alleged that hundreds of UNRWA staff members are Hamas members, although this information has not been made public. The Harper government previously cut Canadian funding to UNRWA in 2010 due to concerns about its ties to Hamas.
Advocates of UNRWA defend the agency, claiming it is the most effective organization for distributing aid in Gaza. They highlight its continued designation of refugee status for Palestinians displaced by Israel’s founding and their descendants. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly commended UNRWA for its efforts in Gaza, stating that it is the only organization capable of providing essential services to the region. The United Nations reports that over 175 aid workers have been killed in the recent conflict in Gaza, the highest number of aid worker casualties in UN history.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs argues that UNRWA has collaborated with Hamas in recent years, which UNRWA vehemently denies. They claim that Canadian funds are indirectly supporting a terrorist organization and should be redirected to other humanitarian agencies. The advocacy group points to past actions by the Harper government, which cut off funding to UNRWA due to concerns about Hamas ties. Proponents of UNRWA stress the agency’s vital role in delivering aid to Palestinians in need, especially in the context of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They emphasize UNRWA’s unique ability to provide life-saving assistance to the population, despite facing challenges and criticism from various quarters.
Lawrence Greenspon and CIJA are calling for a reversal of the Canadian government’s decision to resume funding UNRWA until the investigation into staff involvement in the Hamas attack is concluded. They believe that Canadian foreign aid should align with the country’s values and not support organizations with alleged ties to terrorism. Despite the controversy surrounding UNRWA, supporters argue that the agency remains essential for delivering aid to Palestinian refugees. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has praised UNRWA for its work in Gaza, highlighting the organization’s crucial role in providing basic necessities to the population. The debate over funding UNRWA reflects broader tensions in the region and differing perspectives on how best to support humanitarian efforts in conflict-affected areas like Gaza.
