Israel Halts UNRWA Operations in Gaza
Israel has ordered the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to cease its operations starting Thursday, threatening vital humanitarian aid for millions of Palestinians.
Rising Instability and Humanitarian Concerns
Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, warned the UN Security Council that this decision will escalate instability and deepen despair in occupied Palestinian territories.
Knesset’s Legislation Against UNRWA
In October 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed two laws targeting UNRWA: one banning the agency from operating within Israel and another preventing Israeli officials from engaging with it. Effective immediately, this legislation could undermine the fragile ceasefire, which enabled an increase in aid deliveries to 600 trucks per day.
UNRWA’s Critical Role in Palestinian Aid
Established in 1949, UNRWA provides essential humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and social services to 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across the region. It operates in:
- West Bank: 19 camps (912,879 refugees)
- Gaza Strip: 8 camps (1.6 million people)
- Jordan: 10 camps (2.39 million people)
- Lebanon: 12 camps (489,292 people)
- Syria: 9 camps (438,000 people)
Essential Services Provided by UNRWA
UNRWA is the primary provider of health and education services for Palestinians, offering:
- Education: Over 300,000 children rely on UNRWA schools, including 294,086 in Gaza and 46,022 in the West Bank.
- Healthcare: Serving 1.2 million in Gaza and 894,951 in the West Bank.
- Food aid: Feeding 1.13 million in Gaza and 23,903 in the West Bank.
Humanitarian Operations in Jeopardy
Gaza, home to 2.3 million people, is especially dependent on UNRWA, which serves as the backbone of aid operations. Other UN agencies rely on UNRWA’s logistics for supply and fuel delivery. If the ban is enforced, it could severely limit humanitarian assistance.
Allegations and Global Funding Response
Israeli authorities accused UNRWA staff of involvement in Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, prompting some countries to temporarily suspend funding. While most donors resumed support after a UN investigation, the U.S. and Sweden have yet to reinstate their contributions.
Devastating War Impact
Since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began, at least 47,354 people have been killed, and 111,563 wounded. Over the 15-month war, UNRWA has provided:
- Food aid: Reaching 1.9 million people
- Healthcare: Assisting 1.6 million individuals
- Mental health support: Helping 730,000 people
- Water access: Benefiting 600,000 people
- Waste management: Collecting over 10,000 tons of waste
UNRWA’s Future Amid the Ban
The Knesset’s laws prevent UNRWA from operating in Israel, including East Jerusalem, and bar Israeli officials from coordinating with the agency. Although Palestinian staff may continue working, administrative hurdles may cripple aid delivery.
Funding Crisis and Urgent Needs
In 2023, UNRWA received $1.46 billion in pledges, with top donors including:
- United States: $422 million
- Germany: $212.9 million
- European Union: $120.2 million
For 2025, UNRWA requires $1.7 billion to sustain operations, including:
- Food aid ($568.5 million)
- Water and sanitation ($282.6 million)
- Logistics and coordination ($202.3 million)
Without adequate funding, critical services could collapse, worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and beyond. UNRWA remains committed to its mandate despite mounting challenges.
