A team of UN investigators tasked with researching cases of violence by Israeli settlers and arms transfers to Israel for use in the Gaza war cannot complete their work due to financial constraints, a recent document has revealed. The incident highlights how severe funding shortages within the UN system, caused by donor fatigue and budget cuts, are hindering global accountability efforts. Earlier this year, a separate UN investigation into abuses in Congo was also stalled due to similar issues.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, established in May 2021 by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, provides evidence of international crimes that can be used in pre-trial investigations by tribunals like the International Criminal Court. Last year, the council approved a request from Pakistan to research additional evidence on arms transfers to Israel in the context of the Gaza war and Israeli settler violence.
However, Navi Pillay, who heads the inquiry, stated in an August 6 letter to the council’s president that a lack of funds meant the team was unable to hire staff. Pillay, a former judge at the ICC and a past UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said, “The Commission has started informing the sponsors of the two resolutions that it will be unable to produce these mandated reports and present them to the Council in March 2026.”
Israel has consistently criticized the commission, which has condemned actions by the Israeli military since its Gaza offensive began following the deadly Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. A backlog of unpaid UN fees, including approximately $1.5 billion owed by the top donor, the United States, has exacerbated a long-running liquidity crisis for the organization. In response, the global body plans to cut its overall budget by 20%.
According to a tally by the International Service for Human Rights, 12 of the current 47 voting members on the council have outstanding fees. Nada Al Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, reported that investigations are now running at only about 50% of their required staffing levels. “Without the timely availability of funds, implementation has become and will continue to be increasingly constrained and in some cases it will simply not be possible,” she stated.
