The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) stands as an “irreplaceable” and “indispensable” lifeline not only for Gaza and the occupied West Bank but for the entire region, several top diplomats emphasized during a pivotal meeting at the UN General Assembly on Thursday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the agency’s critical role, declaring that “UNRWA is a force for stability in the most unstable region of the world.” He made a heartfelt plea for political and financial support to ensure the agency’s continued operations, which are vital for peace and stability in the region. “I urge you to do all you can to support its work,” Guterres added, highlighting the pressing need for international solidarity during these turbulent times.
The urgency of this appeal comes in the wake of the recent escalation of hostilities in Gaza, which began in October 2023. As the violence escalated, resulting in widespread displacement of Palestinian families, UNRWA emerged as one of the primary distributors of humanitarian aid to those in dire need. However, the agency now faces an alarming financial crisis, exacerbated by the United States—historically its largest donor—cutting off funding. This has left UNRWA grappling with a staggering budget deficit of $200 million, raising concerns about its ability to fulfill its mission.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi poignantly warned that “UNRWA is collapsing.” He emphasized the dire humanitarian situation by stating, “I do not have to make the case for UNRWA. The starving children of Gaza so painfully make that case. The mothers who are watching their infants fade before their eyes make the case for UNRWA. The 600,000 or more students in Gaza, who have not gone to school for two years, make the case for UNRWA.”
Founded in 1949 to address the needs of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced during the creation of the state of Israel, UNRWA has since provided essential services—such as healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid—to millions of Palestinian refugees across the region. Despite its vital role, the agency has faced increasing scrutiny and delegitimization from successive Israeli governments, which have accused it of distributing anti-Semitic materials and maintaining ties with armed groups. Critics argue that these efforts are not merely about accountability but are aimed at erasing the historical narrative of Palestinian refugees and their right to return to their homes.
The situation for UNRWA has grown even more precarious following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In the aftermath, Israel made unfounded claims that a significant number of UNRWA employees were involved in the attack, a statement that lacked credible evidence. This unfounded accusation led many countries to suspend their funding for the agency, although some have since resumed their support. The U.S., however, has yet to restore its financial aid.
At the recent meeting, Safadi elaborated on the “political assassination campaign” that UNRWA has faced long before the recent escalation of violence. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of UNRWA staff, many of whom have lost their lives while trying to provide assistance amid the ongoing conflict. “And yet, UNRWA persists. It perseveres,” he remarked, commending the agency’s staff who continue to risk their lives to support those in need.
Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira condemned the ongoing efforts to discredit UNRWA, pointing out that legal restrictions on the agency’s operations and the closure of its facilities in East Jerusalem reflect a broader pattern of obstruction and violence from the Israeli government. He expressed concern over disinformation campaigns aimed at delegitimizing UNRWA, warning that these tactics could undermine the critical humanitarian work the agency performs.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced a new commitment of 10 million euros ($11.66 million) to UNRWA, bringing Spain’s total contributions since the onset of the conflict to approximately 60 million euros ($70 million). “The needs are immense, and we need to stand by the agency and provide the financial support that it requires to operate,” Albares stated, urging countries critical of UNRWA’s work to focus on establishing a Palestinian state capable of overseeing its own humanitarian efforts.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini reassured attendees that despite the dire conditions in Gaza, the agency remains operational. “We still have 12,000 staff,” he confirmed, noting that they are providing essential services daily, such as healthcare, nutritional screening for children, and access to clean water, while also managing shelters and offering psychosocial support whenever possible.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, the urgent call for support for UNRWA resonates louder than ever. Without immediate financial backing and political solidarity, the possibility of a stable future for millions of Palestinians hangs in the balance. The agency’s perseverance in the face of adversity underscores its essential role in the ongoing struggle for dignity and survival among Palestinian refugees.
