Italy will resume its funding for the United Nations’ Palestinian relief organisation UNRWA, as part of a €35 million ($38 million) aid package, announced Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Saturday.
During a meeting in Rome with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Tajani committed €5 million to UNRWA projects, with the remaining funds allocated to the “Food for Gaza” initiative.
Italy, along with other nations, had previously halted aid to UNRWA following allegations by Israel that some of the agency’s staff were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which sparked the Gaza war.
Tajani emphasised that Italy’s resumption of funding is contingent upon stringent checks to ensure that no funds inadvertently support terrorism. “Italy has decided to resume financing specific projects destined to help Palestinian refugees but only after rigorous checks that guarantee that not one cent risks ending up supporting terrorism,” Tajani stated.
UNRWA employs around 13,000 people in Gaza, operating schools, primary healthcare clinics, and other social services, and distributing humanitarian aid. The agency plays a crucial role in supporting the region’s infrastructure and services.
Recently, several countries have resumed funding for UNRWA. Last month, Germany announced it would renew cooperation with the agency following a report led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, which reviewed UNRWA’s procedures to ensure adherence to principles of neutrality.
With Inputs From Reuters
