More than 15 countries have announced that they will suspend funding to UNRWA. More than half of the top 10 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, and Japan, have announced suspension. One focus is when contributions will resume. The verification group set up by the United Nations is expected to compile an interim report in late March and a final report by late April, and there is a view that the suspension of funding may continue until the interim or final report.



"International Reporting 2024" Caster Hideki Yui's commentary. (Broadcast on February 6th)



*The video is 3 minutes and 13 seconds long and cannot be viewed on data broadcasting.

Considering options such as US WFP and UNICEF

The United States is the largest donor. "We would like to see concrete results from the review group," said Deputy State Department Spokesperson Patel. "At the same time, we will discuss with other donor countries how to continue humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip. There are options to provide humanitarian assistance through WFP, UNICEF, and other NGOs. I will also consider it,'' he said.



Although the US government did not clearly state how long it would suspend funding, it could be said that it did not intend to resume it immediately, and instead indicated that it would consider the next best option, ``Plan B.''



While emphasizing the importance of the organization UNRWA, the US government also suggested that, for the time being, it might shift its budget funding to WFP, UNICEF, etc.

Appeal for resumption of funding to the United Nations and Norway to UNRWA

In response, UN Spokesperson Dujarric and Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide have stated that ``there is no Plan B'' and are calling for the resumption of funding to UNRWA.



Of these, Norwegian Foreign Minister Eide contributed an article to the American newspaper The New York Times over the weekend stating, ``The world needs to support UNRWA,'' stating that ``UNRWA is the lifeline of the people of Gaza. If delayed, Gaza's dire humanitarian crisis will worsen,'' he warned, calling for the resumption of funding.



As Norway mediated between Israel and Palestine in 1993 to achieve the historic so-called Oslo Accords, it is enthusiastic about supporting Palestine, and in 2022, Norway will be the fifth largest contributor to UNRWA, surpassing Japan. I am.

US Secretary of State Blinken to visit countries in the Middle East

Secretary of State Antony Blinken of the United States, another country that mediated the Oslo Accords, will visit Middle Eastern countries this week to discuss ways to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.



Will we seek a Plan B or restart funding for UNRWA? As the humanitarian situation there continues to deteriorate, the international community, including Japan, which has stopped funding, seems to need to take urgent action.