Advocates for Israel contest Ottawa’s decision to continue support for UNRWA, citing allegations of staff involvement in Hamas attacks

In a notable legal action, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, along with Canadians who lost relatives in the Hamas attack last October, are petitioning the Federal Court to halt Ottawa’s funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This move follows allegations that some UNRWA staff participated in the Hamas attack, raising serious concerns about the agency’s compliance with Canada’s foreign aid laws, which stipulate that aid must align with Canadian values.

Canada had previously paused its aid to UNRWA in January amid these allegations, with investigations into the involvement of 12 staff members underway. However, in March, the Canadian government resumed funding, pointing to the critical humanitarian needs in Gaza and the suspension of the implicated staff members. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs argues that it is premature to restore funding before the conclusion of these investigations.

The challenge also references Israel’s claims of UNRWA’s collaboration with Hamas in recent years, an allegation UNRWA denies. The plaintiffs argue that Canadian funds could inadvertently support a terrorist organization, violating Canadian law. Lawrence Greenspon, the attorney who filed the application, suggests that Canada could continue to support Palestinian humanitarian needs through other organizations that do not have these allegations hanging over them.

UNRWA, established to support Palestinian refugees and their descendants displaced by the founding of Israel, has long faced scrutiny and criticism from Jewish organizations and political entities who question its neutrality and its relationship with Hamas. Despite this, advocates argue that UNRWA is uniquely positioned to deliver aid in Gaza efficiently.

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has previously commended UNRWA for its role in providing essential services in Gaza, emphasizing its critical role in the region. This legal challenge comes at a time when the United Nations reports an unprecedented number of aid worker casualties in the Gaza conflict, highlighting the dire situation on the ground.

This case not only questions the allocation of Canadian foreign aid but also delves into the broader issues of accountability and neutrality in international humanitarian efforts, with significant implications for how nations support conflict-affected regions.