Premierminister Alexander De Croo fordert die Regierungen nach einer unabhängigen Studie auf, ihre ausgesetzte Unterstützung für das UNRWA wieder aufzunehmen. Israel hat keine Beweise dafür vorgelegt, dass UNRWA-Mitarbeiter Verbindungen zur Hamas hatten.

>Earlier this year, in January, [the Israeli government accused 12 UNRWA employees ](https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2024/01/27/unrwa-medewerkers-ontslagen/)of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel.

>About 15 countries, including major donors such as the United States, subsequently decided to suspend their financing of the agency. It meant a decrease in funds by more than half compared to last year. And this at a time when the needs in the Palestinian Gaza Strip are enormous.

>”No evidence provided”

>On behalf of the United Nations (UN), the allegations against UNRWA were investigated by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.

>Its report now shows that UNRWA regularly provided Israel with a list of employees for verification. Since 2011, the Israeli government appears to have never raised concerns about UNRWA staff.

>According to the investigation, the Israeli government has not yet provided evidence for its allegations. According to the report, Israel “made public claims that a large number of UNRWA employees are members of terrorist organizations, but has yet to provide supporting evidence.”

>In addition to the Colonna report, three Norwegian research institutions have sent a more detailed analysis to the UN. It also states that the Israeli authorities have not yet provided evidence for their allegations. They also responded to letters to UNRWA in March and April asking for the names and evidence so the UN agency can open an investigation.

>The Colonna report emphasizes that UNRWA is indispensable for the Palestinians. “UNRWA remains critical to providing vital humanitarian assistance and essential social services, especially in health and education, to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank.”