Gaza: Germany sets to resume cooperation with UNRWA

The German Government says plans are underway to resume its cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East in the Gaza Strip.

This was announced by the German Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development on Wednesday.

UNRWA, the main humanitarian provider in Gaza is facing a major crisis after Israel accused a dozen of its employees of being involved in the October 7 attacks.

The October 7 attack by Hamas left some 1,200 people dead in Israel.

Several employees were dismissed in the wake of the accusations.

In the days and weeks that followed, 16 donor countries including the two largest donors, the U.S. and Germany suspended or paused funding.

This is leaving it with a funding gap of some 450 million dollars.

After the allegations surfaced, UN Secretary-General António Guterres promised a comprehensive review.

On Wednesday, experts charged with investigating the UN’s neutrality in the light of allegations that UN employees were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel recommended a toughening up safeguards in “eight critical areas.’’

At the same time, their report also said that Israel had so far not provided evidence that certain employees were members of terrorist organisations.

The independent group, headed by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, was set up at the beginning of February.

(dpa/NAN)