Japan to renew funding to UNRWA, following Sweden, Finland and Canada | Israel Conflict on Gaza Information

Transfer comes after assembly between Japanese Overseas Minister Yoko Kamikawa and UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini.

Japan is planning to renew funding to the United Nations assist company for Palestinian refugees after suspending help over Israeli claims that a few of its employees participated in Hamas’s October 7 assaults.

Japanese Overseas Minister Yoko Kamikawa met UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini in Tokyo on Thursday to debate methods the company might improve its transparency and governance, together with making certain the traceability of funds and the neutrality of employees.

“Japan and the UNRWA confirmed that they are going to advance last coordination about vital efforts to renew Japan’s contribution,” Japan’s international ministry mentioned in a press release.

Tokyo’s transfer follows the lifting of comparable funding pauses by the European Fee, Canada, Australia, Sweden and Finland in latest weeks.

Lazzarini advised Switzerland’s Keystone-ATS information company on Tuesday that UNRWA had secured funding till the top of Could after beforehand warning the company might be compelled to halt operations in March.

A couple of dozen international locations suspended funding to UNRWA in January after Israeli authorities alleged that 12 of its employees had been concerned in Hamas’s assaults on southern Israel.

Israeli authorities subsequently claimed that greater than 450 UNRWA staff are “navy operatives in terror teams in Gaza.”

The UN, which is probing the claims, has mentioned Israel has not offered it with proof to assist the allegations.

Based in 1949, UNRWA offers meals, healthcare and schooling to some 5.9 million Palestinian refugees.

The company was pledged funding price $1.2bn in 2022, with the largest contributions coming from the USA, Germany and the European Union.