Israel Cuts Ties with UNRWA

In October 2024, Israeli parliament (Knesset) had passed laws to stop the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. The laws also prohibit any contact between Israeli authorities and UNRWA. They came to effect on January 30, 2025.

What is UNRWA?

• A UN agency created in 1949 to help Palestinian refugees displaced after Israel’s creation in 1948 (Nakba).
• It has become important lifeline for millions of displaced Palestinians.
• It provides education, healthcare, food, and social services to nearly 6 million Palestinians in:
  • 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, including 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?

1. Allegations of Involvement in Attacks – Israel accused some UNRWA staff of being involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
2. Long-standing Criticism – Israel has opposed UNRWA for years, arguing that it worsens the Palestinian refugee crisis by passing refugee status to future generations, keeping hopes of returning to Israel alive.
3. Concerns About Educational Content – Israel claims UNRWA’s school materials promote anti-Israel views and incite violence. Reports from an Israeli watchdog and the European Commission support this claim. The European Parliament has also urged funding cuts unless such content is removed.
4. Funding Suspensions – After the October 7 attacks, Israel’s allegations led over 16 Western countries to temporarily halt funding for UNRWA. However, a UN investigation found no evidence to support these claims.

Impact of Ban

• UNRWA will lose access to key areas, making it harder to provide aid. The agency is responsible for over half of the aid delivered in Gaza.
• The ceasefire in Gaza may collapse as humanitarian aid deliveries could stop.
• Millions of Palestinian refugees will lose essential services like food, healthcare, and education.

The Role of Israel as Occupying Power

As the occupying power, Israel holds responsibility 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:
  • USA: $422 million
  • Germany: $212.9 million
  • EU: $120.2 million
• For 2025, it needs $1.7 billion to continue humanitarian work, mainly for:
  • Food aid: $568.5 million
  • Water & sanitation: $282.6 million
  • Operational costs: $202.3 million

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2025

Category: International / World Current Affairs