Background:
Israel has set its sights on phasing out the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip after the ongoing conflict, based on a classified document from the Israeli Foreign Ministry reported by Channel 12. UNRWA has historically provided welfare and humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees and their descendants since the 1948 and 1967 wars.
What it’s about:
The Foreign Ministry’s classified report outlines a three-stage procedure to replace UNRWA in Gaza. The initial phase involves detailed reporting on UNRWA’s alleged collusion with Hamas. The subsequent phase calls for scaling back UNRWA’s operations and scouting for alternative entities to oversee education and welfare services. Eventually, in the third phase, all responsibilities of UNRWA would transition to the governing authority of Gaza post-conflict.
Why it matters:
Israel accusations that UNRWA perpetuates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by extending refugee status across generations contrast with international norms offering such status primarily to original refugees. Additionally, Israel and other critics assert that UNRWA’s education materials incite terrorism and anti-Israel sentiment. A report by IMPACT-se highlighted instances of UNRWA personnel praising Hamas’s violent acts, and the involvement of some UNRWA school alumni in terrorist activities against Israelis. These claims, combined with historical mismanagement allegations, compound Israel’s intent to restructure humanitarian operations in Gaza.
The Bigger Picture:
While Israel recognizes UNRWA’s current crucial role amidst the conflict, the U.S. regards the agency as a “positive player” in humanitarian efforts, a view requiring Israel to tread cautiously with its replacement strategy. Furthermore, Pierre Krahenbuhl, UNRWA’s past commissioner-general, stepped down amid accusations of ethical misconduct, highlighting potential systemic issues within the organization. Meanwhile, debates over the agency’s role continue, as do contentions regarding the Red Cross’s activities in Gaza, another major humanitarian player in the region affected by the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Next Steps:
The Israeli cabinet is expected to review the classified report proposing the phasing out of UNRWA in the near future. The development and implementation of Israel’s plan will be closely watched as it could fundamentally alter the humanitarian landscape in Gaza and affect the broader dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.