Israel’s Post-War Offensive Targets UNRWA, Threatening Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
In the wake of its devastating conflict with Hamas, Israel has shifted its focus to a new target: the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). While unable to fully eradicate Hamas from Gaza, Israel is actively pursuing its long-standing goal of dismantling the UN agency, implementing new laws that severely curtail UNRWA’s operations in the war-torn enclave. These measures, viewed by many as a calculated attempt to erase the agency’s presence, have sparked international concern and raised fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The new Israeli legislation effectively bans UNRWA’s work in areas under Israeli sovereignty and prohibits any contact with the agency. COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for coordinating aid deliveries, has stated its compliance with these laws. This is not the first attempt by Israel to restrict UNRWA’s activities. Past efforts, dating back at least two decades, have been fueled by Israel’s perception of UNRWA as an existential threat due to its recognition of Palestinian refugees and its support for their right of return.
The latest offensive against UNRWA gained momentum after the October 7 Hamas attacks on southern Israel. Israel’s retaliatory assault on Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of over 47,000 people, predominantly women and children, also heavily impacted UNRWA’s facilities. Numerous UNRWA sites were damaged or destroyed, and hundreds of its employees were killed. Israel justifies its actions by claiming that Hamas utilizes UNRWA facilities as bases, a claim vehemently disputed by the agency and those seeking shelter within its compounds.
UNRWA maintains that the vast majority of its facilities, including schools and health clinics, were transformed into shelters for displaced Palestinians during the conflict, making them particularly vulnerable to Israeli attacks. A tragic example of this was the June airstrike on an UNRWA school in the Nuseirat refugee camp, which claimed the lives of at least 40 people. Survivors of the attack denied the presence of any militants within the school, contradicting Israeli assertions. UNRWA has consistently denounced what it describes as a “disinformation campaign” aimed at undermining its credibility.
The physical destruction of UNRWA’s infrastructure is compounded by a broader hostile environment, which includes accusations of UNRWA employees’ involvement in the October 7 attacks. While UNRWA conducted an internal investigation and dismissed nine employees for potential involvement, the agency remains under intense scrutiny. A recent allegation that a freed Israeli hostage was held in an UNRWA facility has further fueled criticism and intensified pressure on the organization. UNRWA responded by clarifying that it had been forced to evacuate its installations in northern Gaza and had no control over them during the conflict.
The escalating pressure on UNRWA comes at a time when the agency faces significant financial challenges, particularly following the reduction of US aid in 2024. Arab states, recognizing UNRWA’s crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance to millions of Palestinians, have rallied to its support. At a recent meeting, they reaffirmed UNRWA’s "pivotal, indispensable and irreplaceable role" and rejected attempts to marginalize the agency. UNRWA itself has warned that Israel’s latest actions risk jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire in Gaza and hindering the delivery of essential aid. The agency emphasizes that obstructing its operations will only exacerbate the suffering of the Palestinian population, which has already endured immense hardship.
UNRWA’s future in Gaza remains uncertain amidst these escalating challenges. The agency’s ability to continue providing vital services to millions of Palestinian refugees hangs in the balance, with the international community closely watching the unfolding situation. The dismantling of UNRWA could have devastating consequences for the already precarious humanitarian situation in Gaza and further destabilize the region.