UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees Faces Dismantling by Israel

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) is under threat of dismantling by Israel, which has been critical of the agency's mandate. The agency's head, Philippe Lazzarini, appealed for political and financial support from Member States to continue providing protection to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip. Lazzarini emphasized that the pressures on the agency are greater today than ever, and if not addressed, an entire generation of children will be at risk of being condemned to poverty, hatred, resentment, and future conflicts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UNRWA is facing a concerted effort by Israel to dismantle its operations and undermine its mandate, which seeks to change the political parameters established for peace in the occupied Palestinian territory.
  • The agency is reeling from the attacks on its facilities, with over 180 facilities damaged or destroyed since October 7, and at least 500 people killed seeking protection under the UN flag.
  • The Gaza Strip has become a "hell" for more than two million people, with children dying of malnutrition and dehydration, and food and drinking water waiting in trucks outside the Strip.
  • Children in Gaza are among the most vulnerable, with over 625,000 deeply traumatized young people living among the rubble and without access to education.
  • Without decisive intervention to resume education, an entire generation of children will be condemned to poverty and sow the seeds of hatred, resentment, and future conflict.
  • In the occupied West Bank, some 500 Palestinians have been killed since October, with daily attacks by Israeli settlers, military incursions, and the destruction of homes and critical infrastructure.
  • The Human Rights Office has condemned the weekend attacks in Gaza City that left numerous civilian victims and the abuse by Israeli soldiers of a Palestinian detainee who was tied to the hood of a car in Jenin.

Statistics:

  • Over 180 UNRWA facilities have been damaged or destroyed since October 7.
  • At least 500 people have been killed seeking protection under the UN flag.
  • More than 625,000 children are deeply traumatized and without access to education.
  • Some 300,000 children were enrolled in UNRWA schools before the war, but those out of school are at risk of violence and exploitation, child labor, early marriage, and recruitment by armed groups.
  • 500 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank since October.

Sources:

  • "UNRWA Chief to Advcom: Dismantling UNRWA would be a catastrophe for international law" by UNRWA, (date unknown).
  • "UNRWA Urges Support to Help Vulnerable Communities in Palestine" by UNRWA, (date unknown).
  • "Gaza: UN agency warns of catastrophic consequences if funding is not secured" by UN News, (date unknown).
  • "UN Human Rights Office condemns Israeli forces' actions in Gaza and West Bank" by UN News, (date unknown).