The announcement came during an open session of the Security Council on UNRWA, convened at the request of Algeria and Jordan. "Algeria, through a decision by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has decided to make an exceptional financial contribution to UNRWA, amounting to $15 million,” Attaf stated.
This contribution is in addition to what Algeria has already provided directly to the Palestinian Authority. Attaf emphasized that Algeria considers this initiative "a duty, a right and an inalienable responsibility that falls on us and other members of the international community."
The funding comes at a critical time for UNRWA. Since 26 January, 18 countries and the European Union have suspended funding to the UN agency, following Israeli allegations that a number of its employees participated in the attack on settlements adjacent to the Gaza Strip on 7 October 2023. The agency, however, announced that it was investigating the allegations.
In a positive turn of events, some of these entities began reviewing their decisions towards UNRWA and released funds to the agency in March. (ILKHA)