Finland to end funding for UNRWA

The Finnish government announced that it will cease funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) once the current agreement expires in 2026. Ville Tavio, Finland's Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, stated that while the overall level of Finnish assistance to Palestinian-administered territories will not decrease, funds will be redirected through other channels, such as the World Food Programme. Finland currently provides the agency with 5 million euros annually. The Israeli Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision, characterizing UNRWA as a "hotbed of terrorism" and citing allegations of employee involvement in the October 7 attacks. Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, praised the move and called on other nations to follow suit. Conversely, 12 countries, including several EU members, recently issued a joint statement condemning Israel's dismantling of UNRWA facilities in Jerusalem and urged the cessation of disruptions to the agency's operations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also expressed alarm, warning that such actions negatively impact vocational education and services for young Palestinians.