Risk arising from a halt in UNRWA funding

Brazil pays close attention to an internal UN investigation on the alleged involvement of employees of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the  October 7 terrorist attacks. Brazil is confident that the ongoing investigations conducted by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services, which have led to the termination of the contracts of some UNRWA staff members, will come to a successful conclusion.

However, these allegations should not lead to a reduction in essential contributions to UNRWA's operations. Such a scenario could jeopardize the agency's activities, especially in the context of a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Funding halts also undermine the fulfillment of a recent legally binding decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to ensure humanitarian access to the citizens of Gaza. The Palestinian civilian population in the region relies on UNRWA as a crucial support in humanitarian efforts.

Since October 7, 2023, UNRWA has been providing lifesaving assistance to more than 1.4 million people in the Gaza Strip. It should be noted that 152 UNRWA employees in Gaza have been killed since Israel launched an offensive in response to Hamas terrorist attacks.

The Brazilian government reaffirms its call for a cessation of hostilities and the immediate release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

Brazil continues to be committed to supporting an economically viable Palestinian State living side by side with Israel, in peace and safety, within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and with East Jerusalem as its capital.