EU funds spent by UNRWA on terrorist-linked activities

29.10.2024

Question for written answer  E-002294/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jorge Martín Frías (PfE)

For many years, the EU has been financing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Since 2010, the EU has donated a total of USD 2.15 billion.

On 11 April 2024, Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the funds allocated to UNRWA to be frozen in the face of evidence that UNRWA facilities had been a refuge for Hamas’ terrorists, and had been used by them to plan attacks and store the weapons used to carry out the attacks on and murders of Israeli citizens on 7 October 2023. At least 12 employees from UNRWA were involved in these attacks.

In October 2024, investigations following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar showed that one of his bodyguards was a teacher in UNRWA.

Evidence about the link between Hamas and UNRWA is public knowledge but nevertheless, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), Mr Borrell, has continued to approve several payments, totalling EUR 82 million, to UNRWA throughout 2024.

How is it possible that the Commission, by request of VP/HR Mr Borrell, has continued to approve the transfer of millions of euros, which cannot be traced, to UNRWA after such striking evidence of its implication in terrorist activities?

Submitted: 29.10.2024