Denmark announced on Thursday that it has disbursed a planned contribution of DKK 105 million ($15.3 million) to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The conflict between Israel and Gaza escalated after the Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border offensive by Palestinian group Hamas. This conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 31,000 Palestinians and has pushed the region to the brink of famine.
Refugees (Credits: Vox)
In January, several countries suspended their funding to UNRWA following accusations by Israel that the humanitarian organization was linked to the attacks. However, Denmark was among the nations that chose to wait for the results of the UN investigation before making a decision.
According to a statement from the Danish Foreign Ministry, the decision to disburse the funds was made in light of several necessary UN measures and the decisions of like-minded countries such as Sweden, Canada, and the EU to provide aid to UNRWA.
These measures included the immediate dismissal of employees accused by Israel, as well as the launch of an urgent investigation by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services.
“In light of these developments, countries like Canada and Sweden, which had temporarily suspended their support to UNRWA, have decided to resume their contributions. The EU has also resumed its payments.
Refugees (Credits: Reuters)
Similarly, the Danish Government will disburse the Danish core contribution to UNRWA totaling DKK 105 million. This contribution will support UNRWA’s program initiatives for Palestinian refugees in Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, with a specific focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” the ministry stated.
Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Minister Dan Jorgensen emphasized the critical need for reform within UNRWA.
He stated, “There is currently no alternative to UNRWA in Gaza. In the long term, it will be absolutely critical to initiate important reform measures within the organization.”
Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen echoed these sentiments, urging for a humanitarian ceasefire and emphasizing the urgent need for more emergency aid on the ground. He highlighted UNRWA’s indispensable role in current efforts, despite acknowledging the organization’s existing weaknesses.
Rasmussen also noted Denmark’s involvement in various initiatives aimed at improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including support for a maritime humanitarian corridor and exerting pressure on Israel to enhance humanitarian access by land.
