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Sweden has decided to cease its funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) starting in 2024, replacing its support with funds directed to other humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza. This move responds to a scenario in which UNRWA faces accusations from Israel of indirectly collaborating with Hamas, especially following the attacks on October 7, 2023, which triggered the current war in Gaza.

UNRWA was created after the Nakba of 1948 to assist Palestinian refugees and has been a fundamental pillar in providing services such as education, health, and food in Gaza.

¨Sweden stops funding UNRWA and increases aid to Gaza through alternative channels¨

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However, Israel has intensified its criticism of the agency, pointing to its alleged perpetuation of the conflict and ideological alignment with Hamas. As of January 2024, the Israeli government will prohibit UNRWA operations in its territory and in East Jerusalem, jeopardizing the agency’s ability to function.

For its part, Sweden has increased its humanitarian budget for Gaza, reaching 800 million Swedish kronor (around 72 million dollars) for the upcoming year.

According to Minister Benjamin Dousa, this strategy aims to ensure that aid reaches those in need through alternative channels such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and other international initiatives.

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Sweden’s decision is not isolated. In October 2023, European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi attempted to suspend EU aid to Palestine following Hamas’s attacks. Although this measure was revoked under pressure from several member states, it highlights a growing scrutiny of the agencies operating in Gaza. Countries like the United States have adopted ambivalent stances, emphasizing the importance of preserving UNRWA’s humanitarian functions while criticizing its administration.

¨Sweden has officially announced that it will stop funding UNRWA¨

This shift in Swedish policy raises questions about the true motivations behind the decision. While security is a valid argument, the devastating impact that weakening UNRWA could have on Palestinian refugees cannot be ignored. Beyond the accusations, it is evident that resolving the conflict requires more transparent and less politicized international efforts.

The key question is whether the diverted funds will maintain the same level of assistance that UNRWA provided, or whether, on the contrary, a vacuum will be created that further perpetuates suffering in the region. The international community must reconsider its approach to balance security concerns with the pressing need to provide effective and neutral humanitarian support.

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About The Author

Lara Miravent

Lara Miravent es una joven escritora argentina apasionada por la política y la cultura, con experiencia en redes sociales y producción de vídeos. Disfruta traduciendo y escribiendo sobre política internacional, buscando inspirar a los jóvenes a reflexionar sobre la relevancia de la misma en la actualidad.

Lara Miravent is a young Argentine writer passionate about politics and culture, with experience in social media and video production. She enjoys translating and writing about international politics, aiming to inspire young people to reflect on its relevance today.