Germany to Enhance Funding to UNRWA after US Cuts

Berlin, MINA – The German government has pledged to increase its funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) in response to the recent aid cuts by the United States, WAFA reported, citing Reuters news agency.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was quoted as saying that the funding crisis for the UNWRA was fueling uncertainty.

“The loss of this organization could unleash an uncontrollable chain reaction,” he said.

Germany had already provided $94 million in aid for UNWRA this year, he said, and was preparing to increase its contribution.

“We are currently preparing to provide an additional amount of significant funds,” Maas said in a letter to European Union foreign ministers that was seen by Reuters.

Maas said it was clear that the added German funds would not cover a $217 million deficit left by the US withdrawal, and urged the European Union and other states to work toward “a sustainable finance basis for the organization”.

UNRWA has faced a cash crisis since the United States, its biggest donor, earlier this year slashed funding, saying the agency needed to make unspecified reforms and calling on the Palestinians to renew peace talks with Israel. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)