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Austria has become the latest country to resume funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, having suspended its support after Israel accused UNRWA employees of allegedly being involved in the October 7 attacks.
Austria was among major donors, including the EU and US, to suspend funding for UNRWA in January, leaving a total of about $450 million in assistance for UNRWA frozen, despite an independent report finding that Israel had failed to provide any evidence in support of its accusations.
Several countries reinstated funding after the publication of the review of UNRWA, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, found the agency had a “robust” approach to neutrality and made minor recommendations for reforms.
"After analysing the action plan in detail" submitted by UNRWA "to improve the functioning of the organisation", Austria has decided to "release the funds," Austria's foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
Austria has budgeted around $3.7 million for this year to UNRWA with the first payment expected to be released in the summer, the statement said.
"Some of the Austrian funds will be used in the future to improve internal control mechanisms at UNRWA," it added.
Austria said it will "closely monitor" the implementation of the action plan with other international partners, noting that "a lot of trust had been squandered".
Since October 7, Austria said it has increased support for the suffering Palestinian population in Gaza and the region, making a contribution of $34.8 million in humanitarian assistance.
Austria is the latest country to reinstate funding for UNRWA, joining Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Sweden and the European Union.
The US, which contributed $343.9 million, has yet to unfreeze its funds. The UK ($21.2m), Switzerland ($25.5m), Italy ($18m), New Zealand ($560,000), Romania ($210,000), and Estonia ($90,000) are also yet to unfreeze their assistance to UNRWA.
On Friday, a number of UN Special Rapporteurs, referred to as experts, said in a statement that they are "disappointed" that some states had yet to reinstate their support for UNRWA.
“The independent review ordered by the UN Secretary-General, following an increase of allegations since the onset of the military assault on Gaza in October 2023, has shown that the claim that significant numbers of UNRWA employees have ties with ‘terrorist organisations’ remains unsubstantiated,” the experts said.
UNWA had been a political target, the experts said, adding that UN staff have been verbally and physically attacked for the past several months.
The pause of funding, the experts said, has "already severely curtailed the agency's operations in Gaza", for 2.2 million people in urgent need.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs: 2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
Price, base / as tested Dh395,000 / Dh420,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 410hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque 420Nm @ 3,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.7L / 100km
Red Sparrow
Dir: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Egerton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons
Three stars
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
The Limehouse Golem
Director: Juan Carlos Medina
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy, Douglas Booth
Three stars
