The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide humanitarian aid and essential services to Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict. Today, it supports nearly six million individuals and plays a crucial role in their lives.
UNRWA operates 58 refugee camps and over 700 schools, catering to approximately 540,000 students. Additionally, it runs 141 primary healthcare facilities and provides emergency food and cash assistance to 1.8 million people annually.
UNRWA has faced criticism, particularly from Israel, which has accused the agency of bias and alleged connections to Hamas. As a result, Israeli lawmakers have banned UNRWA operations on Israeli territory starting January 30, 2024.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly following the conflict in October 2023. Over 80% of Gaza’s population now lives below the poverty line, with 273 UNRWA staff members reported killed and two-thirds of its facilities damaged or destroyed.
Despite facing criticism, the UN General Assembly has consistently extended UNRWA’s mandate, most recently until June 30, 2026. This highlights the agency's role as an essential humanitarian body in the region.
UNRWA plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity in Gaza, delivering 60% of the food entering the area. This assistance reaches over a million people, particularly amid rising poverty and displacement caused by ongoing conflicts.
In conclusion, the work of UNRWA is a testament to the international community's commitment to humanitarian efforts, emphasizing that “Compassion is not weakness, and concern for the unfortunate is not socialism.”
Kutos : AI Assistant!
