Canada has not yet decided whether or not it will make its usual contribution to the United Nations humanitarian organization in Gaza in April, since Israel claimed that some of its employees participated in the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7.
A senior government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said discussions were continuing on the subject in Ottawa, including with other countries that also suspended funding to the organization at the end of January .
Around fifteen countries have suspended their contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), after allegations by Israel targeting certain members of its staff.
International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen said last week that Canada was still working with the UN and its allies to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted into the Israeli allegations.
The minister’s office muddied the waters on Wednesday by canceling at an hour and a half’s notice a press conference by Mr. Hussen scheduled for Wednesday morning. According to the press summons, the minister was to “announce additional humanitarian aid for Gaza”, accompanied by the Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae.
A spokesperson for Minister Hussen simply stated that the press conference had been canceled for “logistical” reasons.
Canada’s next payment to UNRWA was not scheduled until April and no payments were canceled during the “suspension” of contributions at the end of January.
“We are working with our UN partners as well as donor countries that have suspended their funding, such as Canada, to ensure a transparent and complete investigation,” Minister Hussen declared in Ottawa on February 28.
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