The Zionist Federation of Australia is concerned by the Government’s resumption of aid to UNRWA.
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “There is very clearly a dire humanitarian situation unfolding in Gaza, and we support the provision of additional aid, however, we are deeply concerned that a resumption of funding to UNRWA may be wholly counterproductive. If that funding ultimately strengthens Hamas, as it has in the past, it will only extend this war and the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza”.
“We note that the United States, UNRWA’s largest donor, is committed to finding a permanent alternative mechanism to deploy aid outside of UNRWA in a way that doesn’t risk strengthening Hamas.”
“We are also disappointed by the Australian Government’s suggestion that Israel is not allowing aid into Gaza. This is demonstrably false. Israel has been encouraging donor states to send additional aid and has committed to facilitating its entry into Gaza.”
“The Australian Government acted promptly together with other donor countries to pause funding to UNRWA for good reason, due to the compelling evidence of UNRWA employees involved in the 7 October terrorist attacks. Unfortunately, we have not seen any good reasons to reinstate funding.”
“The best future for Gazans is one without Hamas, and that includes preventing aid going to any organisation that is complicit with this terrorist organisation”.
