Scotland announces suspension of funding to UNRWA, calls allegations ‘concerning’

Scotland has paused funding to UNRWA over the alleged involvement of several members of its staff in the October 7 terror onslaught in Israel by Hamas, a spokesperson for the Scottish government tells local media outlets.

The spokesperson says that the government has requested updates from UNRWA as the investigation into the alleged involvement proceeds, and says that Scotland has “no plans to provide further support to UNRWA at this stage.”

“These allegations are particularly concerning at a time when the international community must continue to find mechanisms to maintain, and increase the levels of life-saving aid getting into Gaza,” the spokesperson adds.

The parents of the wife of Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf were trapped in Gaza for several weeks at the start of the war.

Yousaf has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas and for the immediate release of the hostages.

The #ICJ order is clear.

The killing and destruction in Gaza must stop.

Urgent humanitarian assistance must be provided to prevent more suffering.

Hostages must be released immediately.

With such death and destruction, we will continue to call for an immediate ceasefire.

— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) January 26, 2024