THE BBC has responded after Humza Yousaf said an article they published was incorrect.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) sacked several employees last week over suspicions they may have taken part in the October 7 attack on southern Israel, leading to several countries – including the UK – cutting funding.
Scotland paid out £750,000 to the agency in two separate instalments last year to aid its efforts in the region.
READ MORE: Fact check: Did Humza Yousaf pause UNRWA aid payments over Hamas claims?
On Sunday, reports emerged – including from the BBC that Scotland had halted funding, mirroring the decision taken by the UK Government.
A headline on the BBC website read: “Scottish aid to UNRWA aid agency paused amid Hamas claims”.
To be clear, @scotgov has not paused or withdrawn aid to @UNRWA
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) January 28, 2024
We have previously provided as much as we can within our financial constraints.
We will always seek to do more where we can & urge others to continue to provide aid to the people of Gazahttps://t.co/VTu8RQUdiv
Yousaf responded on X – formerly Twitter – on Sunday morning that this was incorrect, and that the cash was the limit Scotland could provide given its current financial situation.
“To be clear, @scotgov has not paused or withdrawn aid to @UNRWA,” Yousaf wrote.
“We have previously provided as much as we can within our financial constraints.
“We will always seek to do more where we can & urge others to continue to provide aid to the people of Gaza.”
A statement provided to the media at the weekend from the Scottish Government said it had requested updates on the UNRWA investigation and there were “no plans” for further funding.
The BBC quietly amended the article. When asked for a comment, the organisation responded: “We regularly update articles on our news site to include the latest information, news and statements. This is standard practice.”
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