By Malak Khaled
Israel’s decision to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) threatens to dismantle critical humanitarian aid for millions of Palestinians.
The UNRWA, often described as the backbone of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, is now facing unprecedented challenges. The move, set to take effect today, has sparked international condemnation and raised concerns over the worsening crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.
What is UNRWA?
UNRWA was established in 1949 to support Palestinian refugees displaced after the Nakba in 1948. Today, it serves 5.9 million refugees across Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and food aid.
Israel Bans the UNRWA
Israel’s parliament approved two laws targeting UNRWA:
Ban on UNRWA Activities
The first law prohibits any UNRWA operations in Israel, directly affecting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Severing Ties With UNRWA
The second law bans Israeli officials from engaging with UNRWA, making administrative coordination impossible and further restricting humanitarian efforts where they are severely needed.
Why Is Israel Banning UNRWA?
A year ago, Israeli authorities accused UNRWA staff of involvement in the October 7, 2023 events. This led several countries to suspend funding, though all except the U.S. and Sweden have since resumed support after an internal UN investigation and the dismissal of nine employees.
Despite this, Israel’s new laws effectively ban UNRWA’s operations and sever all official contact.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel claims UNRWA has been infiltrated by Hamas and poses a security threat. UN officials reject most of Israel’s accusations and insist UNRWA remains impartial.
Why Is the UNRWA Crucial for Palestinians?
UNRWA provides essential services that sustain more than a million Palestinians:
Education
Over 300,000 Palestinian children rely on UNRWA schools.
Healthcare
Free primary healthcare is provided by UNRWA to 1.2 million people in Gaza, which is more than half of the population.
Food Assistance
1.13 million Gazans—half the population—depend on UNRWA for food aid.
Employment
UNRWA employs 30,000 staff, mostly Palestinian refugees, ensuring economic stability in the region.
The Growing Challenges for UNRWA
Shortened Visas for International Staff
Israel has shortened all visas for UNRWA’s international staff so that it ended a day ago, forcing them to evacuate from their East Jerusalem headquarters and relocate to Amman, Jordan. This sudden move hampers the agency’s ability to maintain oversight and coordination of essential services in the region.
Reliance on Palestinian Officials for Aid Distribution
Israel’s decision to restrict UNRWA’s operations means that only Palestinian officials can handle aid distribution in the West Bank and Gaza. This shift puts the responsibility on local authorities, but it also complicates coordination.
Palestinian officials may lack the resources and infrastructure that UNRWA has built over the years, further straining an already fragile system of aid delivery.
Impact of the Ban
Israel’s decision will cripple humanitarian operations. The agency will be unable to obtain permits to work in Gaza and the West Bank, preventing the delivery of food, medicine, and essential supplies.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned that the ban could trigger a collapse of aid efforts, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
A Crisis Without a Clear Solution
For Palestinians, UNRWA is more than an aid organization—it is a lifeline. With millions dependent on its services, the ban threatens to exacerbate suffering and instability in Gaza.
UNRWA remains determined to continue its mission, but without Israeli cooperation, its ability to operate is critically limited. As international pressure mounts, the future of humanitarian aid in Palestine remains uncertain.
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