Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed that the country will cease its funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at the end of 2026. The decision follows similar moves by the United States, which banned all funding to UNRWA in February 2025, and Sweden, which ended its contributions in December 2024.
Investigations raise concerns about Hamas infiltration
U.S. agencies, including the USAID Office of Inspector General, and watchdog groups such as UN Watch have presented evidence suggesting that UNRWA staff members participated in the October 7, 2023 terror attacks and that a portion of the agency’s workforce may be linked to Hamas. UN Watch estimates that about 12% of UNRWA employees in Gaza are members of terror organizations, based on cross‑checking employee rosters with Hamas records seized by the Israeli Defense Forces.
The USAID OIG is reportedly investigating roughly 1,500 UNRWA personnel for possible terror involvement and has referred 108 staff members to the State Department for potential suspension or exclusion from U.S.‑funded programs.
Finland’s stance and future aid plans
While Finland will end its direct support to UNRWA, officials said no decision has yet been made about which international partners will receive Finnish aid for Gaza’s acute needs next year. The Finnish government declined to comment further on the motivations behind the funding cut.
Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, praised Finland’s move, stating that humanitarian assistance can and should be redirected through agencies such as the World Food Programme, which he described as free from systemic Hamas infiltration.
Trump administration’s broader effort
The funding withdrawals align with the Trump administration’s broader push to replace UNRWA with vetted, reliable partners. An official affiliated with the Board of Peace, a Trump‑backed reconstruction effort, emphasized that a demilitarized and deradicalized Gaza will require “trusted, credible delivery partners.” The administration argues that dismantling UNRWA is essential for a lasting peace plan and for fostering Palestinian self‑reliance.
U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres expressed gratitude for Finland’s past contributions and encouraged continued support for UNRWA’s “vital work,” though the agency faces increasing scrutiny from multiple governments.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
