Why some nations have paused UNRWA findings
- UN officials recently urged the countries to reconsider their decision to suspend funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
Impact on Palestinians
- Two million Palestinians in Gaza rely on UNRWA services, and these services could be scaled back if funding is not restored.
- Currently, around 5.9 million Palestinian refugees access UNRWA's services, including education, health, relief, and social services.
- The US and eight other Western countries, accounting for over half of UNRWA's 2022 budget, cut funding.
- This was after Israel accused some staff members of involvement in an October 7 attack.
Background on UNRWA
- Established in 1949, UNRWA aids Palestinians who were displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
- It operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, providing various programs inside and outside refugee camps.
- It includes education, health, relief and social services, microfinance and emergency assistance programmes.
Funding of UNRWA
- UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions by donor states like the US.
- It also gets a limited subsidy from the UN, which is used only for administrative costs, the agency’s website said.
Accusations by Israel
- Israel alleges that 12 UNRWA staff members were involved in the October 7 attack.
- It also claims that Hamas siphons off funds from UNRWA and operates near the agency's facilities, including tunnels.
- There are also accusations of the agency teaching hatred of Israel in its schools.
- UNRWA denies all allegations, asserting no links to Hamas.
Consequences of Funding Suspension
- UNRWA plays a vital role in Gaza, providing essential services to those affected by the conflict.
- If funding is not restored soon, the agency could run out of money for aid work within weeks, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.