Carney Liberals would continue UNRWA funding
Continued funding of UNRWA, despite evidence of terror ties, is why Canada isn't taken seriously in the region, says NGO Monitor's Gerald Steinberg
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OTTAWA – Just days after news reports emerged of a cash-strapped Hamas unable to fund its genocidal war against Jews, Canada’s Liberal Leader suggests a financial infusion may soon be on its way.
When asked during Wednesday’s French-language leader’s debate if a Liberal government would continue funding the terrorist-linked United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA,) Mark Carney said that it would.
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“Yes,” Carney replied in French when asked by the moderator if he would continue funding UNRWA.
“We are in a situation where we need to have an immediate ceasefire, we need to have all of the hostages returned, and we need to resume humanitarian aid to Gaza. And that this time, we have $100 million from the government of Canada that is ready to be provided in humanitarian aid to Gaza with organizations that are working there.”
Canada followed-suit with the United States and cut its UNRWA funding in January 2024 after evidence was uncovered proving its employees took active roles in the Oct. 7, 2023 Israeli terror attacks. But the federal government reversed that decision two months later – in time to make good on a $25-million installment of a $100-million funding pledge to UNRWA made in 2023 by the Trudeau Liberals.
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Further evidence provided by the Israeli government established clear proof of the relationship between Hamas and UNRWA, whom the Palestinian terror group considers a pillar in its civil rule, providing support needed to carry out its military and terrorism programs.
It was also revealed that thousands of UNRWA employees are members of Palestinian terror organizations, who tolerated terrorist installations and rocket launchers within or in close proximity to UN emplacements within Gaza.
According to the provided intelligence, at least 327 UNRWA employees are members of the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.
Until March, Israel delivered daily truckloads of food and humanitarian supplies to Gaza – shipments that were routinely intercepted and resold by Hamas to fund its terrorism.
Gerald Steinberg, president of Jerusalem-based think tank NGO Monitor, said money donated to UNRWA by well-meaning nations ends up in the pockets of Palestinian terrorists.
“Hundreds of millions of Canadian taxpayer dollars have been wasted on UN agencies like UNRWA and allied NGOs, with zero positive impact for Palestinians,” he told the Toronto Sun.
“In contrast to the slogans, instead of actual aid, these funds are diverted to terror and perpetuate a culture of victimhood. And in erasing the role of UNRWA staffers in heinous atrocities, including holding of hostages, Mr. Carney highlights the reasons that Canada is not taken seriously in the region.”
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Despite Carney’s assertions, other countries have found more legitimate means to support Gazan civilians.
Sweden, a nation that cut ties with UNRWA completely this year, supports relief via the World Food Program, UNICEF, UNFPA and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC.)
The Netherlands is in the process of a legislated phase-out of UNRWA funding, and like Sweden is sending money to legitimate aid organizations in the region.
While Switzerland still funds UNRWA, they’ve reduced the amount and are investigating alternative means of support.
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