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What is UNRWA? -

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is a UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees. It offers essential services, including education, healthcare, and shelter, across the Middle East.

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Foundation and mission -

UNRWA was established in 1949 to aid over 700,000 Palestinians displaced during the Nakba—the expulsion of Palestinians so that Israel could be founded. Its mission is to provide humanitarian assistance to these refugees.

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Areas of operation -

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, extending crucial support to Palestinian refugees in these regions with diverse services.

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Comprehensive support services -

UNRWA provides extensive services, including education, healthcare, relief programs, social services, and infrastructure in refugee camps, addressing the needs of Palestinian refugees.

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Humanitarian role in conflict -

During conflicts, UNRWA plays a critical role by running shelters and distributing food, water, and hygiene supplies, especially in Gaza, where many rely on its assistance for survival.

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UNRWA's funding model -

UNRWA primarily relies on voluntary contributions from UN member states for funding. It also receives some financial support directly from the United Nations.

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Employment and staff -

The agency employs approximately 30,000 people, mostly Palestinians, to carry out its operations, which are essential for the almost six million refugees it serves.

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Palestinians in Gaza -

UNRWA serves nearly two million registered refugees across eight Palestinian camps in Gaza, providing shelter, healthcare, and daily essentials to a highly vulnerable population

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Palestinians in the West Bank -

In the West Bank, around 800,000 Palestinians are registered as refugees, many of whom rely on UNRWA for education, healthcare, and basic services.

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Dependence on UNRWA in Gaza -

The recent Gaza conflict has left nearly the entire population dependent on UNRWA for essentials like food, water, and hygiene products, emphasizing its role in humanitarian support.

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UNRWA's essential role in aid distribution -

International aid groups, including the UN World Food Program, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and celebrity chef José Andrés' World Central Kitchen provide aid in Gaza. But the main challenge is delivering food to Gaza, where these organizations depend on UNRWA's support.

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Losses among UNRWA staff -

Over 200 UNRWA staff members have lost their lives in Israeli attacks since October 2023, highlighting the risks faced by its employees in delivering aid during conflicts.

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Israel's ban on UNRWA -

On October 28, 2024, Israel's parliament, Knesset, voted to ban UNRWA's activities within Israel, intensifying the debate over the agency’s role in the region and its impact on peace efforts.

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Opposition to UNRWA by Israel -

The first bill that passed prohibits all UNRWA activities and services on Israeli territory, with the ban scheduled to take effect in three months. The second bill cuts all connections between government employees and UNRWA, revoking the legal immunities of its staff.

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Criticisms of Israel's stance -

Critics argue that Israel's actions, particularly its failure to acknowledge the establishment of a Palestinian state and its ongoing settlement activities, are the primary obstacles to achieving peace.

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Allegations of militants in UNRWA -

During the current conflict with Hamas, Israel has also repeatedly claimed that UNRWA has employed militants from Hamas.

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Netanyahu's call to the US -

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously urged the US (Israel's primary ally and the agency’s largest donor) to withdraw its support, claiming that the agency is "perforated by Hamas."

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Israeli dossier on UNRWA staff -

A six-page Israeli dossier, presented to the US, accused 12 UNRWA staff members of involvement in the October 2023 attacks, alleging nine militants worked within the agency's schools.

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Wider allegations of militancy -

The dossier claimed that Israel had evidence that UNRWA employed 190 Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, which would represent 0.64% of the total UNRWA staff if true. Following an investigation, UNRWA dismissed nine employees but denied it knowingly aids armed groups.

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UNRWA's transparency with Israel -

However, UNRWA has long shared the list of its staff with Israel. Speaking earlier this year, the spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, António Guterres, reiterated this arrangement.

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Concerns over Gaza aid access -

Critics argue that banning UNRWA in Israel threatens aid distribution in Gaza, especially at a moment when Israel is under increased US pressure to ramp up aid.

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UNRWA's dependency on Israel -

While UNRWA's core activities are in the West Bank and Gaza, it requires Israel's cooperation to operate, particularly to allow them access to Gaza's border crossings.

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Lack of alternative aid -

The new Israeli law doesn't outline alternative organizations to replace UNRWA's services, potentially disrupting essential aid for Palestinian refugees in Gaza and beyond.

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International reactions to the ban -

Several governments, including the UK, and international aid groups have voiced strong opposition to Israel's ban. 

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US concerns on the legislation -

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed deep concern over Israel's legislation, highlighting UNRWA's irreplaceable role during the current crisis in Gaza.

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UNRWA's response to the ban -

UNRWA condemned Israel's decision, with Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warning it would worsen Palestinian suffering, especially for children needing education and basic aid.

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Education at risk -

Lazzarini cautioned that Israel's decision risks depriving over 650,000 children in Gaza of education, imperiling an entire generation's future.

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Collective punishment -

Lazzarin also described the legislation as "collective punishment," arguing it escalates Palestinian suffering during an already severe crisis and impedes relief efforts.

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A continuing humanitarian debate -

As tensions rise, UNRWA's future and Palestinian refugee support remain central to international debates on aid, accountability, and conflict resolution.

Sources: (The Guardian) (BBC) (The Washington Post)

See also: What is the UN Security Council?

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