The immense humanitarian needs of over 2 mn people in Gaza are at risk of escalating due to the decision of 16 donor countries to halt financial support to UNRWA.
Displacement in Khan Younis
In the past week, bombardment and conflict in Khan Younis have forced tens of thousands to flee southwards, joining the already 1.4 mn people densely packed in the southern governorate of Rafah. The majority are residing in makeshift structures, tents, or in the open, with growing fears of a halt in food and other humanitarian aid from UNRWA.
Thomas White, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza and UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory described the situation: “Rafah has transformed into a sea of people escaping bombardments.”
Multiple displacements and UNRWA’s role
Many of those fleeing Khan Younis have been displaced multiple times, with a significant number being forced to vacate the largest UNRWA shelter in the Khan Younis Training Centre. Despite being displaced themselves, UNRWA staff continue to distribute food and tents to those newly displaced.
Across the Gaza Strip, nearly 2 mn people, predominantly women and children, rely on UNRWA for survival. The Agency provides overcrowded shelters, food assistance, and primary health care. However, as the war persists and humanitarian access remains largely restricted, their conditions are deteriorating.
Famine threat in north
In the northern region where famine is imminent, UNRWA has had minimal access since the onset of the war. White reported: “UNRWA received reports that people in the area are grinding bird feed to make flour. We continue to coordinate with the Israeli Army to gain access to the north, but this has been largely denied. When our convoys are finally allowed to enter the area, people rush to the trucks to get food and often consume it immediately.”
UNRWA’s crucial role
UNRWA, the largest humanitarian organization in Gaza, continues its operations with more than 3,000 of its 13,000 staff. They form the backbone of the humanitarian aid operations. “It’s difficult to envision Gazans surviving this crisis without UNRWA,” White stated.
Allegations and investigation
Following serious allegations by Israeli authorities that some UNRWA staff were involved in the October 7 attacks on Israel, the UNRWA Commissioner-General decided to immediately terminate the appointment of these staff in the interest of the Agency.
The UN Office of Internal Oversight Services in New York has initiated an investigation. Full accountability and transparency are expected from this process, should the allegations be substantiated. Shortly after the UNRWA announcement, several donor countries suspended $440mn worth of funding to the Agency.
Call for support
“As the war in Gaza continues unabated, and as the International Court of Justice calls for more humanitarian assistance, it is time to reinforce and not weaken UNRWA. The Agency remains the largest aid organization in one of the most severe and complex humanitarian crises in the world,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.
UNRWA assists Palestine Refugees in the Gaza Strip, West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
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