The recent withdrawal of funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza has raised concerns about the potential collapse of the humanitarian system in the region. The United States, United Kingdom, and several other countries suspended their funding following allegations of UN staff involvement in the Hamas attacks on Israel in October. While the UN has dismissed some of its staff and initiated an investigation into UNRWA, the funding halt could have severe consequences for the people of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused UNRWA of being “perforated with Hamas” and claimed that 13 UNRWA workers participated in the October attacks. The US, the largest contributor to UNRWA, has acknowledged the agency’s critical role in providing essential services such as food, water, and medicine in Gaza. The US State Department emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation and accountability for any wrongdoing while emphasizing the importance of UNRWA’s work.
The 7 October attack, carried out by Hamas gunmen, resulted in the death of approximately 1,300 people and the taking of 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched an offensive against Hamas, resulting in a significant loss of life and extensive damage to buildings in Gaza. Analysis conducted by the BBC indicates that more than half of Gaza’s structures have been affected by the offensive. UN Secretary General António Guterres has assured that an independent investigation into UNRWA is underway.
The potential consequences of the funding crisis are significant. If funding is not resumed, UNRWA will not be able to sustain its operations beyond the end of February, according to a UNRWA spokesperson. The UN Inter-Agency Standing Committee states that while it is essential to hold any UN employees involved in acts of terror accountable, cutting off funds to the entire organization would jeopardize its mandate to serve those in desperate need in Gaza. It warns of the perilous outcome of withdrawing funds from UNRWA, asserting that it would result in the collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza and have far-reaching humanitarian and human rights consequences in the occupied Palestinian territory and beyond.
Furthermore, the United Nations’ humanitarian coordinator for Gaza has highlighted that no other organization can adequately replace UNRWA due to its extensive knowledge of the population in Gaza. Several other countries, including Germany, Sweden, and Japan, have also halted their funding to UNRWA. In an attempt to address the situation, UN Secretary General Guterres has met with representatives of more than 30 donor states, urging those who have withdrawn funding to reconsider their decisions.
The funding crisis facing UNRWA and its potential impact on the humanitarian system in Gaza requires urgent attention and resolution. The people of Gaza, already suffering from the devastating consequences of the recent conflict, are at risk of further deprivation and deterioration of their living conditions if the funding is not restored. It is crucial for the international community to recognize the humanitarian imperative and support UNRWA’s efforts in providing essential assistance to the people of Gaza.
