Explainer: How will UNRWA funding cuts impact Gaza
What's the story
At least nine countries, including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, and Canada, have halted funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This came after allegations surfaced that some employees of the UN agency were involved in Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel. Here's a brief about the UNRWA and the potential impact of the fund cuts on relief work in Gaza.
UN agency
What is UNRWA?
The UNRWA has played a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinian refugees across West Asia since 1948. It is also providing food, water, and shelter in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The agency was established after the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. The UNRWA runs schools, health clinics, infrastructure projects, and aid programs in refugee camps in Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. It employs about 13,000 people in Gaza alone.
Allegations
Israel's accusations against UNRWA
Israel has long accused the UNRWA of collaborating with Hamas. It has alleged that the agency diverts aid meant for civilians and uses the UN's facilities for military purposes. Recently, the Jewish nation alleged that 12 employees of UNRWA took part in the October 7, 2023, attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in nearly 250 hostages. Following this, at least nine countries halted their aid to the UN agency.
UN's response
UNRWA denies claims of links to Hamas
The UNRWA has denied any connections to Hamas or other terror groups. The agency stated it would investigate the allegations. It further launched an external review to determine the accuracy of the accusations and their motivations. The agency also condemned Hamas's attack and called for the release of all hostages. Separately, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said all accused employees would be held accountable. He also appealed for the restoration of funding, as 87% of Gaza's population relies on UNRWA services.
Impact
Funding cuts to hit aid to Gaza
The nine donor countries that suspended the funding provide for over half of the UNRWA's estimated annual budget of $1.1 billion, per reports. The US, the first country to cut funding, is the agency's largest donor. It provided the agency with $340 million (Rs. 2,826 crore) in 2022. Palestine Liberation Organization Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh said in a social media post that the funding pause is coming at a bad time as Israel engaged in "continuing aggression."
UNRWA official's statement
Agency's 'humanitarian operation collapsing'
It remains unclear when or how the suspension of aid will impact the agency's daily operations. Meanwhile, Norway and Ireland have confirmed their commitment to continue funding the UNRWA, while other donors are yet to finalize their decisions. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has expressed shock over the development. He said the agency's "humanitarian operation is collapsing."
Conflict
150 UNWRA employees killed in Israel-Hamas war
In the wake of the October 7, 2023, offensive by the Palestinian terror group Hamas, Israel launched a multi-pronged military operation in the strip, killing over 26,000 Palestinians so far. The strikes by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have also killed 150 UNWRA employees. This marks the highest number of casualties the UN has suffered in a single conflict. The war also puts over 30% of Palestinians into starvation, UN officials said.