The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is facing a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza as several Western countries have decided to suspend aid to the Palestinian refugee agency. The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, has condemned these decisions as “collective punishment,” while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has joined him in urging donor nations to maintain vital assistance to Gaza.
Gaza has been devastated by nearly four months of relentless Israeli bombardment, resulting in the deaths of over 26,000 people. The UNRWA, with its 13,000 employees in Gaza, plays a crucial role in providing aid to the population, including food and shelter. Lazzarini warns that this lifeline could “collapse any time now,” putting the lives of more than two million people at risk.
Antonio Guterres has emphasized the importance of meeting the dire needs of the desperate populations served by UNRWA. While acknowledging that UN employees involved in acts of “terror” will be held accountable, he stresses that the vast majority of UNRWA workers should not be penalized. The UN has already terminated nine out of 12 staff members accused of involvement in a Hamas attack inside Israel.
However, Israel has continued its attacks on the UN agency, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz calling for Lazzarini’s resignation. Top Palestinian officials and Hamas have criticized the suspension of aid, highlighting the political and humanitarian risks involved. They urge the countries to reverse their decisions and support the international organization during these critical times.
The United States, along with several other countries, has suspended funding to UNRWA following allegations against 12 agency employees. The French foreign ministry has also announced that it has not planned any new payments for the first quarter of this year. The European Union has pledged to assess further steps based on the results of a comprehensive investigation.
Meanwhile, there are reports of progress in negotiations between the US and Israel regarding a potential agreement to pause military operations against Hamas in exchange for the release of captives. CIA director Bill Burns is expected to participate in talks with Israeli and Qatari officials, focusing on the captive negotiations.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with vast destruction and displacement caused by Israeli attacks. Limited healthcare institutions and UNRWA establishments, primarily schools, have been used as shelters by displaced people. Former UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness warns that the agency only has weeks before running out of funds for its crucial aid work. He calls upon the Arab states, particularly those in the Gulf, to provide financial support and prevent a looming famine in Gaza.
Despite international pleas for assistance, Israel continues its attacks on Khan Younis, resulting in the deaths of 174 Palestinians in the past 24 hours. Nasser Hospital, the largest healthcare facility in southern Gaza, is on the brink of collapse due to a lack of supplies and continued Israeli siege.
The situation in Gaza demands immediate action and support from the international community to prevent a further escalation of the humanitarian crisis. The continuity of aid operations by UNRWA is essential to ensuring the survival and well-being of the Gaza population.
