The United Kingdom has decided to suspend aid to 2.3 million individuals facing starvation in Gaza, citing unconfirmed allegations. This pause in funding extends to the largest UN agency operating in Gaza, UNWRA, responsible for providing aid, healthcare, education, and humanitarian assistance. The decision to halt aid is based on Israeli claims of UNWRA employees’ involvement in the October 7th offensive by Palestinian resistance groups. However, no evidence has been presented to support these allegations.
Nine nations, including the UK, the US, Australia, Italy, Canada, Finland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany, have collectively stopped additional funding to UNWRA. This move has sparked concerns as it affects the well-being of one million displaced people seeking refuge in and around UNWRA buildings. Critics argue that punishing an entire starving population based on unverified claims against a few individuals within an agency is unjust and exacerbates the existing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The timing of these claims coincides with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling for Israel to cease the killing of Palestinians. Some speculate that these allegations were made to damage the reputation of the UN, potentially easing public attention when disregarding the ICJ ruling. The coordinated suspension of aid by closely related Western nations on the same day raises questions about a possible concerted effort to send a message both to the ICJ and Israel, potentially challenging the legitimacy of the international order.
This abrupt withdrawal of aid by eight NATO states from a major UN agency without international debate or consultation raises concerns about the credibility and control of the global order. The move prompts uncertainty about the legitimacy and existence of the UN, especially at a time when the UN World Court hesitates to call for a ceasefire, and Security Council votes for a ceasefire face vetoes despite majority support.
