Statement Joint statement on UNRWA by the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

27 January 2024 | “UNRWA plays a vital role in covering basic needs of the Palestinian population. It was therefore right for the organisation and Commissioner-General Lazzarini to take immediate action in light of the accusations against members of its staff.

Germany, in agreement with other donor countries, will temporarily not approve any further funding for UNRWA in Gaza until the matter is resolved – there are in any case no new funding decisions pending. Humanitarian assistance will continue. Just a few days ago, we increased our funding for the International Committee of the Red Cross and for UNICEF by 7 million euro.

Since 7 October, we have provided humanitarian assistance via UNRWA and released development cooperation funding to finance vital necessities such as water, food, emergency shelter, hygiene and sanitation facilities as well as medical supplies for the people in the Gaza and particularly for families who have fled to the south.”