In October 2024, the Israeli parliament (Knesset) passed laws prohibiting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. These laws also prevent any contact between Israeli authorities and UNRWA, which came into effect on January 30, 2025.
What is UNRWA?
UNRWA, established in 1949, is a UN agency created to support Palestinian refugees displaced after the creation of Israel in 1948 (Nakba). It has become a vital lifeline for millions of displaced Palestinians, providing education, healthcare, food, and social services to nearly 6 million refugees across:
- West Bank (19 camps)
- Gaza (8 camps)
- Jordan (10 camps)
- Lebanon (12 camps)
- Syria (9 camps)
UNRWA’s Role in Gaza and West Bank
- Education: Supports 300,000 children, with nearly half of all students in Gaza.
- Healthcare: Provides primary healthcare to 1.2 million people in Gaza and nearly 900,000 in the West Bank.
- Food Aid: Feeds 1.13 million people in Gaza and thousands in the West Bank.
Why Did Israel Ban UNRWA?
- Allegations of Involvement in Attacks: Israel accused some UNRWA staff of being involved in the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
- Long-standing Criticism: Israel has long opposed UNRWA, arguing that the agency perpetuates the Palestinian refugee crisis by passing refugee status down to future generations, thus keeping the hope of returning to Israel alive.
- Concerns About Educational Content: Israel claims that UNRWA’s educational materials promote anti-Israel sentiments and violence. Reports from Israeli watchdogs and the European Commission support these claims, with the European Parliament urging funding cuts unless such content is removed.
- Funding Suspensions: Following the October 7 attacks, Israel’s allegations led to over 16 Western countries temporarily halting funding for UNRWA. However, a UN investigation found no evidence supporting these claims.
Impact of Ban
The ban will severely impact UNRWA’s operations, especially in Gaza. The agency provides over half of the aid delivered in Gaza. The cessation of aid could lead to a collapse of the ceasefire, with essential services like food, healthcare, and education being disrupted for millions of Palestinian refugees.
The Role of Israel as Occupying Power
As the occupying power, Israel is responsible for the welfare of the population in the occupied territories. The termination of UNRWA’s mandate raises questions about Israel’s obligations under international law and the potential implications for public services in the region.
Funding and Future Challenges
UNRWA received $1.46 billion in 2023, with major donors including:
- USA: $422 million
- Germany: $212.9 million
- EU: $120.2 million
For 2025, UNRWA requires $1.7 billion to continue its humanitarian work, with major needs for:
- Food aid: $568.5 million
- Water & sanitation: $282.6 million
- Operational costs: $202.3 million
The ban may make it even more challenging for UNRWA to meet these financial demands, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
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