The Flemish Government has announced that it will extend funding for the United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) until 2027.
The UNRWA supports 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, including those in Gaza, providing education, healthcare, social services and emergency relief.
Flanders has allocated €479,000 to the organisation for the period from 2025 to 2027.
Minister-President Matthias Diependaele (N-VA) says the funding reaffirms Flanders' commitment to humanitarian efforts in Gaza, the West Bank and the Middle East. The support is contingent on the organisation strictly following the recommendations of the Colonna report.
The Colonna Commission investigated possible links between UNRWA staff and terrorist organisation Hamas which attacked Israel on 7 October last year. The UNRWA has committed to monitoring and reporting progress to Member States and UN partners over three years.
Flemish funding will be disbursed annually, based on demonstrated progress in implementing the recommendations.
In Gaza, "there are nearly 45,000 dead, almost half of them children, and over 100,000 injured," said outgoing Minister of Development Cooperation Caroline Gennez (Vooruit).
"Humanitarian needs are immense. There is an acute shortage of clean water, food and medical aid. The UNRWA is crucial for protecting, feeding and sheltering almost two million displaced people in Gaza."
