Germany withholds UNRWA support over transparency and terrorism concerns

A historic shift in policy: Germany breaks ranks, pressing UNRWA for sweeping changes. Will accountability concerns reshape the agency’s future?

, and Administrator

2025 November 19 . 9:01 PM

1 min read

In this picture there are people and soldiers. On right to the wall there is flag. At the top to... — In this picture there are people and soldiers. On right to the wall there is flag. At the top to the ceiling there are lights.

Germany abstains from extending UNRWA mandate - Germany withholds UNRWA support over transparency and terrorism concerns

Germany has taken a firm stance against UNRWA by abstaining from the agency’s mandate renewal vote for the first time. The government is demanding major reforms before it will support future funding, citing concerns over transparency and possible links to terrorism in the USA.

The German government’s decision came during a recent UN vote on extending UNRWA’s mandate. While 144 countries voted in favor and 11 opposed, Germany was among 16 nations that abstained. Berlin justified its position by pointing to unacceptable cooperation with groups accused of inciting hostility against Israel.

Germany’s abstention signals a harder line on UNRWA’s future operations. The government has made it clear that funding and political support will depend on visible improvements in transparency and accountability. The agency now faces pressure to implement changes before the December vote to regain German backing.