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Humza Yousaf has been criticised for “doublespeak” after suggesting countries should keep funding a terrorist-linked UN agency.
The EU and the US have paused funding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) after it was alleged that workers there were involved in the Hamas attacks in Gaza.
The Scottish Government also confirmed that it had “no plans” for further funding, saying it wsa “deeply concerned” by the news.
But writing on social media yesterday, the First Minister disputed this, saying: “We have previously provided as much as we can within our financial constraints.
Humza Yousaf has been criticised for “doublespeak” after suggesting countries should keep funding a terrorist-linked UN agency
PA
“We will always seek to do more where we can and urge others to continue to provide aid to the people of Gaza.”
Scottish Conservative MP Andrew Bowie said the comments suggest Yousaf thinks he “knows better”.
He said: “Countries that announced they have temporarily suspended funding UNRWA as potential links to terrorists are investigated – USA, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Japan, Canada, Australia, Italy, Finland, Iceland and Estonia, so far. But Humza Yousaf knows better.”
The Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross agreed, saying: “This intervention from Humza Yousaf is not only out of step with the UK, Germany and the US, but the position of his own government spokesman.
“The public will no doubt be confused by these seemingly contradictory statements – and concerned that the First Minister appears to be going against the international consensus on this extremely serious issue.
“It’s deeply disappointing to see the First Minister engage in this apparent doublespeak over such a complex and developing situation.”
Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr added: “Humza Yousaf needs to untangle his personal feelings from this conflict and do the right thing- get back to being First Minister and his real job. It’s seriously threatening our international influence at this stage.”
A Scottish government spokesperson said it was “deeply concerned” by the allegations about UNRWA staff.
They said: “Given our recent funding of UNRWA, we have separately been in direct touch with them today and have requested further updates on the investigation. We have no plans to provide further support to UNRWA at this stage.
“These allegations are particularly concerning at a time when the international community must continue to find mechanisms to maintain and increase the levels of life-saving aid getting into Gaza.”
The UK government announced a suspension of donations to the organisation, alongside the US State Department, Australia, Canada, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands and Italy.
But the Irish government said it plans to continue funding UNRWA because the agency provides “life-giving assistance to 2.3m people”.
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Douglas Ross agreed, saying: “This intervention from Humza Yousaf is not only out of step with the UK, Germany and the US, but the position of his own government spokesman”
PA
UNRWA said it is “extremely desperate” as a result of the pause in funding, adding that “the humanitarian needs in Gaza are growing by the hour”.
It sacked several of its staff over allegations they were involved on 7 October, in an incident which saw 1,300 people – mainly civilians – killed by Hamas.
As many as 250 others were taken hostage.
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