The Israeli Knesset has recently passed bills banning the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and scaling back aid distribution in Gaza, leading to international condemnation. The bills make it illegal for Israeli officials to have contact with UNRWA and prohibit the agency from conducting activities within Israel’s borders, affecting its ability to provide assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
The move comes after Israeli authorities accused UN workers of participating in attacks on Israel in 2023, leading to funding cuts from several countries, including Australia, Austria, the US, and others. While most countries have since restored funding, the bills further strain UNRWA’s operations in the region.
Established in 1949, UNRWA provides education, healthcare, social services, and emergency relief to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It serves roughly six million Palestinians, with services ranging from providing education to healthcare facilities that see millions of patient visits annually.
UNRWA’s social services programs include vocational training, support for women entering the workforce, and assistance for people with disabilities. The agency also provides employment opportunities for Palestinians, running programs that empower individuals through skills training and rehabilitation services.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent legislation, UNRWA continues to play a crucial role in supporting Palestinian refugees in the region, offering essential services that have helped generations of refugees to survive and thrive.
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