UN Agency in Gaza Faces Funding Crisis Amid Allegations of Staff Involvement with Hamas

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is facing a critical funding crisis that could lead to the halt of its operations in Gaza and the wider Middle East. This dire situation has emerged following allegations of staff involvement with Hamas attacks on Israel, prompting donors to pause funding. If the funding remains suspended, UNRWA has warned that it may be forced to shut down its operations by the end of February. This development has raised serious concerns about the severe humanitarian needs of Palestinians in Gaza and the potential deterioration of living conditions if funding is not restored.

A bag of flour at the area where the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) distributes flour to families as Israeli attacks continue in Rafah, Gaza on January 28.

The warning from the agency's Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, comes as more than a dozen countries, including the United States, have announced the suspension of funding. The allegations against UNRWA staff, ranging from involvement in kidnapping hostages to supplying logistic support, have resulted in the suspension of approximately $440 million in funding. With 13,000 staff in Gaza, the impact of this funding pause is expected to be significant, affecting the agency's ability to provide vital assistance to Palestinians in the region.

A man carries relief supplies provided by UNRWA in Rafah, southern Gaza, on January 28, 2024.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by recent developments, including the forced displacement of tens of thousands of people due to bombardment and fighting in Khan Younis. The situation has added to the already dire conditions in the region, with over 1.4 million people crammed in the southern governorate of Rafah, many living in makeshift structures, tents, or out in the open. The potential loss of food and humanitarian assistance from UNRWA further compounds the challenges faced by the Palestinian population in Gaza.

Trucks of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) carrying fuel arrive at the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip on November 22, 2023.

Challenges and Warnings

The funding crisis facing UNRWA has raised significant challenges and warnings regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Thomas White, director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza, highlighted the dire conditions in Rafah, describing it as a 'sea of people fleeing bombardments.' The forced displacement of individuals from embattled areas, such as Khan Younis, has led to multiple displacements, with many seeking refuge in UNRWA shelters. However, the agency's ability to continue providing assistance is under threat, with the potential shutdown of operations looming.

The situation in the north of the territory has also been highlighted as an area where famine is looming, and UNRWA has had limited access since the war began. Reports of people grinding bird feed to make flour underscore the desperation and food insecurity faced by the population. When UNRWA convoys are finally permitted to enter the area, there is a rush for food supplies, indicating the severity of the humanitarian crisis. The warnings from UNRWA officials emphasize the urgent need for continued support to address the escalating challenges in Gaza.

International Response and Calls for Action

The funding crisis and allegations of staff involvement with Hamas attacks have sparked an international response and calls for action. The International Court of Justice's (ICJ) recent order for Israel to provide more humanitarian assistance to Gaza has added to the complex dynamics surrounding UNRWA's operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call for the dismantling of UNRWA and its replacement by other aid groups reflects the geopolitical tensions and differing perspectives on the agency's role.

Netanyahu's assertion that 'UNRWA's mission has to end' has raised questions about the future of UNRWA and the implications for Palestinian refugees. The ICJ's ruling and Israel's response have further intensified the debate on UNRWA's mandate and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The international community's response to the funding crisis and the allegations against UNRWA staff has underscored the complex nature of humanitarian operations in conflict-affected regions and the need for a coordinated and informed approach to address the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.