Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf announced on Wednesday that his country will make an exceptional financial contribution of $15 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

The announcement came during an open session of the Security Council on UNRWA, convened at the request of Algeria and Jordan. "Algeria, through a decision by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has decided to make an exceptional financial contribution to UNRWA, amounting to $15 million,” Attaf stated.

This contribution is in addition to what Algeria has already provided directly to the Palestinian Authority. Attaf emphasized that Algeria considers this initiative "a duty, a right and an inalienable responsibility that falls on us and other members of the international community."

The funding comes at a critical time for UNRWA. Since 26 January, 18 countries and the European Union have suspended funding to the UN agency, following Israeli allegations that a number of its employees participated in the attack on settlements adjacent to the Gaza Strip on 7 October 2023. The agency, however, announced that it was investigating the allegations.

In a positive turn of events, some of these entities began reviewing their decisions towards UNRWA and released funds to the agency in March. (ILKHA)