Swiss Parliament votes to stop UNRWA funding due to incitement of hate and violence

The Swiss National Council, similar to the House of Representatives in the U.S. Congress, voted to immediately stop payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on Monday.

The motion was proposed by the conservative Swiss People’s Party member, David Zuberbühler, based on evidence of several UNRWA members also being members of Hamas and the incitement to hatred and violence in UNRWA school curricula. 

“UNRWA claims to contribute to peace and the fight against radicalization. Reports show the opposite,” Zuberbühler said. “The organization employs teachers and textbooks that glorify Hamas and terrorism. And some members, active in schools, welcomed the attacks on Israel on October 7."

The Swiss vote passed with 99 votes in favor, 88 opposing, and 7 abstentions. While most of the Swiss People’s Party voted in favor of the bill, support and opposition were split among the Radical-Liberals and the Centre Party. The Social Democrats, Liberal Greens, and Greens were united in their opposition to the motion. 

Alongside the bill to halt UNRWA funding, a separate motion was passed, urging the country to support alternative aid organizations.

The bills will have to pass a similar vote in the Council of States, roughly equivalent to the U.S. Senate, to become binding.

Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, which has long accused UNRWA of ignoring terror support among its staff, said the “decisions by the Swiss Parliament represent a major vote of no confidence in both UNRWA and its disgraced Swiss chief, Philippe Lazzarini.” 

BREAKING: 🇨🇭 Swiss Parliament adopts motion to immediately suspend support for UNRWA, voting 99 to 88. Calls to instead send aid directly to Gazans, and to seek a solution to replace UNRWA. https://t.co/Ybf0TXyF95

I was the only critical voice invited to address them in April: pic.twitter.com/5ukV40U8PG

— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) September 9, 2024

The timing of the vote is significant, as the Swiss government approved a contribution to UNRWA in May worth CHF 10 million ($11.78 million). On Monday, the government argued that halting funds to the controversial UN organization would significantly impact the country’s ability to aid Gaza civilians. 

“Without the cooperation of UNRWA staff, it would be almost impossible to help,” Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said. 

Nicolas Walder, a member of the Greens Party, echoed Cassis’ remarks. 

“In view of the catastrophic situation in Gaza and the lack of a credible alternative to UNRWA, the immediate cessation of its funding would entail a totally disproportionate human cost,” Walder said. 

Walder continued by falsely stating that “no accusation of links with a terrorist organization has so far been substantiated against UNRWA.” 

In early August, UNRWA announced the dismissal of several employees after evidence provided by the Israeli government confirmed their membership in Hamas.

Despite the firing and evidence, in early September, UNRWA-USA Chief Mara Kronenfeld criticized an Israeli ad campaign seeking to defund the agency by highlighting the involvement of UNRWA workers in terror groups. 

Zuberbühler disputed the claims that stopping funding to UNRWA would cause a significant crisis for Gaza civilians.

“There are many other aid organizations (other than UNRWA) that are helping on the ground and can provide emergency aid – accommodation, food, health services, water,” he said in an interview with the Jerusalem Post.

The lawmaker added: “It is the responsibility of these aid organizations to ensure that no money falls into the hands of Hamas. In addition, there needs to be complete transparency, which is not the case with UNRWA.”