Sweden pauses financial support to UN agency for Palestinian refugees

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Sweden has decided to pause financial support to UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), joining several other countries that have suspended the funding following Israeli allegations that some staffers of the humanitarian organization were involved in the Oct. 7 attacks, public broadcaster SVT reported on Tuesday.

Until an investigation by the UN is concluded, we will not make any financial contribution, said press secretary of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) Johan Tjerneng.

Until then the funds worth 31 million Swedish crowns ($2.98 million) will be channeled to the Red Cross, and World Food Program, he added.

Commenting on the matter, International Development Cooperation Minister Johan Forssell said: “It is a proper decision in light of the very serious information that has come to light in recent days.”

However, the opposition Left Party's foreign policy spokesperson Hakan Svenneling warned that it is important not to punish the entire organization or Palestinian people it helps for alleged wrongdoings of some.

Several countries including the US, UK, Germany, France, Austria and Japan have suspended funds for the agency established in 1949 to cater to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

It is involved in primary and vocational education, primary healthcare, relief and social services, infrastructure and camp improvement, and emergency response.

The UN agency says it has opened an investigation into the allegations, and has severed ties with those staff members.

Israel has killed more than 26,000 people since the Oct. 7 cross-border offensive by Palestinian group Hamas. The onslaught has also led to mass displacement, destruction and conditions for a famine.​​​​​​​

In late 2023 South Africa filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of failing to uphold its commitments under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The UN court, in its interim ruling last week, said South Africa’s claims are plausible. It ordered provisional measures for Israel’s government to desist from genocidal acts, and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in the blockaded enclave.