The Indispensable Role of UNRWA in Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis:

UN Headquarters, New York — As Gaza continues to face one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, international leaders gathered at the United Nations General Assembly this week with a clear message: the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is "indispensable" and must be saved from financial collapse. “UNRWA is a force for stability in the most unstable region of the world,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared on Thursday. “It is vital to any prospects of peace and stability in the region. I urge you to do all you can to support its work.” Founded in 1949, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has provided essential services—healthcare, education, food assistance, and shelter—to millions of Palestinians displaced during the creation of Israel and their descendants. Today, its work is more critical than ever. Facing Collapse Since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, which followed the Hamas-led attack on October 7, UNRWA has become a lifeline for displaced civilians, delivering aid amid widespread destruction. But the agency now faces a $200 million budget deficit after the United States, formerly its largest donor, suspended funding based on unsubstantiated claims that some UNRWA staff were involved in the Hamas attack—allegations Israel has not backed with credible evidence. At Thursday’s meeting, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi issued a stark warning: “UNRWA is collapsing.” He pointed to the human cost of the funding crisis. “The starving children of Gaza so painfully make that case. The mothers watching their infants fade before their eyes make the case for UNRWA. The 600,000 students who have not attended school for two years make the case.” UNRWA’s own figures show over 12,000 staff members remain active in Gaza, despite more than 100 of their colleagues being killed in Israeli airstrikes since the war began. Political Pressure Mounts UNRWA has long been under political pressure from successive Israeli governments, which accuse the agency of anti-Israel bias and links to militant groups. Critics, however, argue that these attacks are part of an effort to delegitimize the refugee issue entirely—and erase the right of return for Palestinians. “UNRWA is being subjected to a political assassination campaign,” Safadi said. “And yet, it persists.” Israel has recently passed laws banning UNRWA from operating within its borders and occupied East Jerusalem—moves that critics say are part of a larger effort to militarize aid delivery and obstruct humanitarian work. Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira strongly condemned the campaign against the agency. “Disinformation, legal harassment, and attempts to replace UNRWA with militarized aid structures are deeply troubling,” he said. Global Support Growing, But Not Enough Despite the political attacks, some countries are stepping up. Spain's Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, announced a new contribution of €10 million, bringing Spain’s total support since the war began to €60 million. “The needs are immense,” Albares said. “Countries that do not agree with how UNRWA functions should support the establishment of a Palestinian state so it can care for its own people.” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini emphasized the agency’s resilience: “Despite everything, we remain operational. Our staff continue to provide health services, clean water, shelter management, and psychosocial support.” A Test of Global Will As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, the fate of millions now hinges on whether the world will rally behind UNRWA. The message from global diplomats is clear: without urgent political and financial support, the collapse of UNRWA would not just be a blow to Palestinians—it would destabilize the entire Middle East.

NEWS