UNRWA Faces Funding Crisis as Donors Cut Support over “Terror” Allegations
The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is currently facing a severe funding crisis after its main international donors, led by the United States, decided to cut its funding over allegations of supporting terrorism. This has put the agency, which is the main humanitarian organization in Gaza, in a precarious position and threatens its ability to provide essential services to Palestinians in need.
The funding cuts came swiftly after Israel accused 12 UNRWA staff members of being involved in a Hamas attack. While the UN has taken action against the staff members linked to the attack, it has expressed its opposition to the defunding. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has condemned the suspension of funding as an “additional collective punishment” for Palestinians who are already suffering from the ongoing Israeli bombardment.
However, the Israeli allegations have not been verified, and experts have questioned their credibility. Yasmine Ahmed, the UK director of Human Rights Watch, stated that there is no evidence to support the allegations and that neither the UN nor the states funding UNRWA have seen any written documentation of the alleged involvement. This raises doubts about the validity of the accusations made by Israel.
UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing support to Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza. It was established by the UN General Assembly in 1949 to provide basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and education to tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees who were forcefully displaced leading up to Israel’s creation in 1948. Today, UNRWA supports around six million Palestinian refugees living within and outside Palestine.
The agency operates schools, primary health centers, and other social services, providing direct assistance to those in need. It also offers loans to Palestinians and employs thousands of people who run these essential programs. UNRWA’s services are especially vital in Gaza, where the population heavily relies on the agency for basic necessities, including food, water, and hygiene supplies. The employment opportunities provided by UNRWA also help alleviate the high unemployment rates in the region.
The funding freeze imposed by UNRWA’s biggest donors has put Palestinians at risk of starvation. With nearly half of Gaza’s population seeking shelter in UNRWA schools and buildings due to the Israeli bombardment, the agency’s ability to provide for these internally displaced Palestinians is now severely compromised. The dire situation in Gaza calls for international support to ensure the survival of its inhabitants.
Israel’s desire to weaken UNRWA is not new. The country has long advocated for the dismantling of the agency, arguing that its mission is obsolete. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused UNRWA of being “perforated with Hamas,” but these claims have not been substantiated. UNRWA shares its staff list with both the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government, making it unlikely that the agency is infiltrated by Hamas.
The recent allegations against UNRWA employees coincide with the International Court of Justice’s interim ruling ordering Israel to prevent genocidal acts and increase aid to Gaza. Some experts believe that these accusations are meant to divert attention from the ICJ ruling and undermine any attempts to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
The funding crisis facing UNRWA highlights the urgent need for international support. The agency plays a vital role in providing essential services to Palestinians in need, and without adequate funding, its operations may come to a halt. It is crucial for donor countries to distinguish between the alleged actions of individuals and the important work that UNRWA does in supporting Palestinian refugees. The lives and well-being of millions of Palestinians are at stake, and it is imperative that they receive the assistance they desperately need.