Sweden Ends Funding to UNRWA Over Terror Ties

Sweden announced on Friday that it will cease funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), citing its links to terrorism and Hamas propaganda. Swedish Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa confirmed the decision in an interview with TV4, stating that Stockholm will find alternative avenues for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli praised the move, calling it a “courageous and critical decision by the Swedish government.” Chikli criticized UNRWA for losing legitimacy, citing its personnel’s involvement in terror activities and the use of its facilities by Hamas.

“UNRWA, whose personnel actively participated in the October 7 atrocities, whose facilities became terror hubs, and whose schools spread Hamas propaganda and incitement, has lost its legitimacy to exist,” Chikli wrote on X.

An Israeli intelligence report released in January revealed that at least a dozen UNRWA employees were directly involved in Hamas’s October 7, 2023, massacre. The report also highlighted the presence of hundreds of Hamas and other terrorist operatives on UNRWA’s payroll.

The findings led 17 countries, including major donors like the United States and Germany, to suspend funding temporarily. However, most resumed payments, with the exception of the United States. Recently, Britain and Spain increased their contributions, despite criticism.

Sweden’s decision follows similar moves by other European nations. The Dutch Parliament recently voted 88-49 to reduce its funding to UNRWA by €4 million annually, cutting its 2023 contribution of €19 million. In September, Switzerland’s House of Representatives voted to halt payments entirely, though the measure awaits Senate approval.

Israel has also severed ties with UNRWA. Last month, the Knesset passed legislation banning the organization from operating in Israel, prompting the government to terminate a 1967 agreement outlining relations with the agency.

Sweden’s decision underscores a growing shift among some of Israel’s allies in Europe to reexamine support for UNRWA. As alternative pathways for aid to Gaza are explored, the move signals mounting global scrutiny of organizations linked to terror activities.

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