Danish government delays UN aid decision

Denmark’s government is postponing its decision on whether to grant millions in support to the troubled UN agency UNRWA, which aids Palestinian refugees in the Middle East, until spring. Many countries have suspended their funding due to allegations that 12 UNRWA employees participated in Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7 last year. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen insists there’s no immediate alternative to UNRWA, highlighting the urgent need to clean up the organization. At a donor meeting in Jerusalem, Løkke stressed the importance of assessing the situation and the pending UN investigation into UNRWA before releasing Denmark’s 105 million DKK contribution. He also pointed out that suspending aid has a direct negative impact on Palestinian civilians. The New York Times reported that wiretapping revealed UNRWA staff involvement, and while the agency has fired several employees, an independent confirmation is pending. Rasmussen calls for a UN action plan for UNRWA renewal and accountability.