The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) is grappling with mounting challenges as it faces restrictions from Israel and shifting policies from the United States. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner General of UNRWA, recently voiced concerns about the agency’s future during a visit to Beirut. Despite current obstacles, Lazzarini stressed UNRWA's commitment to continue its operations for Palestinian refugees unless external factors prevent it.
Israel's recent decision to formally prohibit UNRWA from operating within its territories has significantly affected the agency's logistics. As a result, international personnel had to exit East Jerusalem following the expiration of their visas. Although the ban has not yet directly hampered UNRWA's operations in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, there has been an observable impact in East Jerusalem. Critical services like healthcare continue, albeit on a reduced scale.
UNRWA’s challenges are compounded by the changing stance of the United States, particularly under new leadership. U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial resettlement plan for Palestinians in Gaza into neighboring Arab nations, implying a long-term American oversight of the area. This proposal, described by Lazzarini as “totally unrealistic,” raises serious ethical and international legal concerns, including allegations of forced displacement, which is often equated to ethnic cleansing.
The U.S. government had already ceased funding for UNRWA, a decision initially made by the Biden administration after allegations surfaced about some UNRWA staff’s involvement in the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel. Although subsequent investigations led to the dismissal of nine staff members, the U.S. remains steadfast in its funding suspension, unlike other donor countries that have resumed their support.
The suspension of U.S. financial backing poses a significant challenge for UNRWA, considering the United States was previously one of its largest donors. In response, the agency is actively reaching out to Gulf Arab nations and other potential donors to fill this financial void. Lazzarini pointed out that UNRWA is the target of widespread misinformation, aimed at politically undermining its mandate.
Critics of UNRWA argue that the agency's approach perpetuates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by maintaining refugee status for the descendants of those displaced in 1948. However, Lazzarini asserts that the notion of simply dissolving UNRWA or transferring its responsibilities is erroneous. UNRWA's support, which includes vital education and healthcare services to nearly 5.5 million refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries, cannot easily be replaced by other institutions.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, UNRWA has been a crucial source of humanitarian aid in Gaza, underscoring its indispensable role in the region. The agency acts as a substitute for non-existent state services for Palestinian refugees. Lazzarini emphasizes that only a political resolution leading to a recognized Palestinian state could responsibly conclude UNRWA's operations, allowing it to transfer its responsibilities to empowered Palestinian institutions.
Without a comprehensive political solution, the abrupt termination of UNRWA's services could exacerbate suffering among one of the world's most impoverished groups. The focus, therefore, remains on sustaining UNRWA's operations amidst the political and financial challenges it faces to ensure continued support for Palestinian refugees.
