Israeli minister lauds Sweden’s announcement of end to funding of UNRWA

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli hails Sweden’s decision to halt funding for the UN agency for the Palestinians and their descendants, saying UNRWA “has lost its legitimacy to exist” due to involvement in terror activities by staff members.

A courageous and critical decision by the Swedish government. UNRWA, whose personnel actively participated in the October 7 atrocities, whose facilities became terror hubs, and whose schools spread Hamas propaganda and incitement, has lost its legitimacy to exist. pic.twitter.com/AIxxkpziOa

— עמיחי שיקלי – Amichai Chikli (@AmichaiChikli) December 20, 2024

Israel, which is set to ban UNRWA’s operations in the country from late January, has repeatedly accused the agency of being involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre in Israel that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.

Sweden’s decision to end funding is in response to the Israeli ban, as it will make channeling aid to the Palestinians via the agency more difficult, the country’s aid minister, Benjamin Dousa, has told Swedish broadcaster TV4.

Sweden plans to increase its overall humanitarian assistance to Gaza next year, he adds.

“There are several other organizations in Gaza, I have just been there and met several of them,” the minister says, naming the UN World Food Programme as one potential recipient.