Campaign to destroy UNRWA

A young UNRWA worker carries a large white sack of flour helping to support Palestinian refugees
Flickr | EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid

➡️ Israel's Campaign to Destroy UNRWA – Palestine Refugee Aid Agency Ban

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East referred to as UNRWA, was founded in 1949. After the brutal conflict of 1948, UNRWA was established to address the dire humanitarian needs of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees displaced and dispossessed after the creation of the State of Israel. This event is known as Al Nakba. They are one of the most critical agencies providing aid, relief, and support in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighbouring refugee host countries.

A Knesset ban on the operations of UNRWA in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem took effect on January 30th, 2025.

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UNRWA has been a target of Israeli criticism for many years, and the spread of disinformation has intensified since the War in Gaza began in October 2023. The Israeli government has accused the agency of being 'riddled with Hamas operatives' and stated that many of their staff participated in the October 7th attack.

After a United Nations led investigation, nine staff members were fired due to their possible involvement. Israel's claim remains unsupported by evidence. More than 200 of UNRWA's own staff have been killed by Israeli offensives.

The Israeli government also states that the ban is due to UNRWA's alleged perpetuation of anti-Israeli sentiments and its role in maintaining the refugee status of Palestinians. Israel claims that the activities of UNRWA hinder peace efforts.

In a move supported by Trump, UNRWA has been ordered to close its headquarters in East Jerusalem, cease all its activities, and evacuate its facilities. The ban was voted in by the Israeli parliament 3 months ago.

Hopes of a last-minute reversal, especially in light of the newly agreed ceasefire agreement, were dashed as Israel's High Court of Justice refused attempts to prevent the ban. Staff have already been asked to leave Israel.

 

Image of a boys school in Rafah funded by UNRWA. A man and a boy are walking in the middle and there are lots of clothes hanging out to dry. There is a large blue sign at the entrance with the school's name on it.
Flickr | ISM Palestine

How Essential is the Work of UNRWA?

  • UNRWA supports Palestinian refugees through its operations in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan

  • UNRWA supplied roughly 60% of the food aid that has reached Gaza since the war began in October 2023

  • They hire over 13,000 staff members at over 300 installations

  • They provide education to more than 500,000 students in 706 schools

  • They support more than 7 million health visits a year in 140 health facilities

  • They deliver emergency food assistance to 1.7 million Palestinian refugees

  • They issue around 29,000 microfinance loans annually to promote sustainable income-generation opportunities for Palestinian refugees

     

Large blue doors with the letters UNRWA painted above it with the United Nations symbol either side stand surrounded by rubble and destroyed buildings. Two men pushing bicycles are walking by.
FMT | CC BY 4.0

What are the Implications of the UNRWA Ban?

Profound and widespread implications await the millions of Palestinian refugees who heavily rely on their services. The already challenging humanitarian situation in Palestinian refugee camps will be exacerbated, and it could lead to increased tensions in the region. Israel's commitment to the ban could prevent the progression of the ceasefire deal into its next two phases.

Since the involvement of UNRWA staff in the Hamas attack was alleged by Israel, 15 states suspended their funding to the agency, including the UK, Germany, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the U.S. All countries have since restored their funding except the U.S., who under Trump, have reinstated their belief that UNRWA lacks creditability.

Palestinians in the war-devastated Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank will be hardest hit by the ban. Critics of the ban claim that stripping Palestinians of this vital lifeline was done to intentionally sabotage Gaza's recovery and their transition into autonomous political rule.

The question on everyone's minds is who will fill the gaping holes left by this crucial humanitarian support after Israel's brutal 15-month military onslaught?

Author: Rachael Mellor 30.01.25, licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.

For more information on the UNRWA Ban see below⬇️