The European Union's regional spokesman, Luis Miguel Bueno, revealed in an exclusive interview with Sky News Arabia the bloc's position on continuing to provide support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), after Israeli accusations of the alleged involvement of a number of its employees in the October 7 attacks. the past.
As a result of this accusation, several countries, led by the United States, Britain, Italy, and Germany, decided to temporarily suspend funds allocated to the agency, while the United Nations expressed its “concern” about this matter.
Bueno said, “The European Union is deeply concerned about the allegations related to the involvement of employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel,” explaining that the bloc is in contact with UNRWA to verify this matter. “We expect it to provide full transparency regarding the allegations and to Immediate measures are being taken against the employees concerned.”
However, the EU spokesperson stressed that “UNRWA has of course played a vital role over many years in supporting Palestinian refugees in accessing vital services such as education and health, and is a crucial partner for the international community and the European Union.”
Regarding the position of support provided by the European Union after the Israeli accusations, Bueno said that the bloc is currently evaluating “additional steps and drawing lessons.” Based on the results of a full and comprehensive investigation.
He explained that the European Union provides UNRWA with funding estimated at approximately 90 million euros every year, while the last announcement of funding for the agency was 83 million euros for the year 2023.
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