The Importance of Supporting UNRWA in Gaza
The international community has a responsibility to continue supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in its efforts to provide vital aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Despite recent allegations made against some of its workers, it is crucial not to subject the entire organization to collective punishment. Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, emphasized this point during a telephone call with Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of UNRWA.
In response to allegations made by Israel that several UNRWA workers were involved in a Hamas attack on October 7, several nations, including Australia, Finland, Germany, Italy, and the UK, followed the lead of the US in suspending funding to the agency. However, Safadi and Lazzarini urged these countries to reverse their decisions, highlighting the importance of the financial aid provided to help the 1.9 million Palestinians who have been displaced since the start of the war in Gaza.
UNRWA has taken the allegations seriously and has requested an investigation by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, the organization’s highest investigative authority. It is important to note that the claims were made against only 12 out of 13,000 staff members in Gaza, and their employment contracts have already been terminated.
Safadi also emphasized that people in Gaza are facing famine due to Israel’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid into the enclave. This action is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and the ruling by the International Court of Justice. The suspension of funding from various countries will have an immediate impact on UNRWA’s ability to provide essential humanitarian services, exacerbating the suffering faced by Gazans.
Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, expressed concern over the decision to pause funding. She stated that it “overtly defies” the International Court of Justice’s order to provide effective aid in Gaza and could potentially be a violation of the international genocide convention.
It is crucial to understand the significance of UNRWA’s work in Gaza. The agency plays a vital role in providing education, healthcare, and social services to Palestinian refugees. Without their support, millions of Palestinians would be left without access to basic necessities and opportunities for a better future.
UNRWA has been operating in the region for over seven decades, and its work has been essential in mitigating the impact of conflicts and displacement. The agency’s efforts have helped countless Palestinians rebuild their lives and create a sense of stability amidst ongoing challenges.
By suspending funding to UNRWA, countries risk undermining the progress made in Gaza and jeopardizing the well-being of its population. It is essential for the international community to come together and continue supporting UNRWA’s mission, ensuring that Palestinians in Gaza receive the assistance they desperately need.
In conclusion, allegations made against a few UNRWA workers should not result in collective punishment for the entire organization. The international community must recognize the importance of supporting UNRWA in its efforts to provide vital aid to Palestinians in Gaza. By reversing their decisions to suspend funding, countries can help alleviate the suffering faced by Gazans and contribute to a more stable and prosperous future for the region.