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Sweden Shifts Gaza Aid Strategy: Suspends UNRWA Support in Favor of Alternative Relief Channels
Sweden has announced a significant change in its humanitarian aid approach to Gaza, deciding to discontinue funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) while increasing overall assistance through other organizations.
The decision comes amid mounting tensions as Israel prepares to implement restrictions on UNRWA operations within its territory by late January 2024. These restrictions follow allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in the October 7 Hamas attacks, which intensified the conflict in Gaza.
Swedish official Erik Dousa explained the pragmatic nature of the decision: "Large parts of UNRWA's operations in Gaza are either going to be severely weakened or completely impossible. For the government, the most important thing is that support gets through."
Despite opposing Israel's new legislation restricting UNRWA, Swedish authorities have opted to adapt their aid strategy to ensure continued humanitarian support reaches Gaza's population. The government plans to substantially increase its humanitarian commitment, raising funding from 451 million Swedish crowns ($40.6 million) in 2023 to 800 million crowns ($72 million) in 2024.
The redirected aid will flow through established international organizations including the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
This policy shift has sparked mixed reactions. The Palestinian embassy in Stockholm expressed concern, emphasizing UNRWA's crucial role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned that reducing support to the agency could undermine decades of investment in human development, particularly in education.
Conversely, Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel welcomed Sweden's decision, noting the availability of "worthy and viable alternatives for humanitarian aid" and expressing appreciation for Sweden's willingness to consider different approaches.
Recent developments have intensified scrutiny of UNRWA, with the United Nations confirming the dismissal of nine staff members over alleged involvement in the October 7 attack. Additionally, investigations revealed that a Hamas commander in Lebanon, later killed by Israeli forces, had been employed by the agency.
This strategic shift in Swedish aid policy reflects the complex challenges of maintaining humanitarian support in conflict zones while addressing concerns about aid distribution channels and accountability.
