UNRWA

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a UN agency that operates for the benefit of Palestinian refugees.

Having been founded in 1949, UNRWA is the only UN refugee agency dedicated to a specific area and refugee crisis. 

The organization continues to operate in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, providing humanitarian aid and education for Palestinians.

However, UNRWA has also come under fire for a number of controversies, such as those who claim it creates dependency rather than resettling refugees and others who claim it promotes antisemitism and incitement against Israel in its educational programs.

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Akin to Stockholm syndrome: How trauma and coercion influence aid work in Gaza

UN reports lack balance, fueling reasonable accusations that its workers had become psychologically influenced by the realities on the ground in Gaza.

By MICHAEL J SALAMON , LOUIS LIBIN
25/05/2025
 Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, 17 May 2

Iraq looks to lead Arab nations as it pledges $20m. to Gaza, Lebanon

Iraq has sought to spotlight the war in Gaza and to bring Arab countries together on this issue.

Israel must enforce UNRWA ban laws more strictly, MKs demand

UNRWA’s six schools in east Jerusalem were shut down on May 8, after the Jerusalem Municipality on April 8 issued orders to all six school principals telling them to cease operations within 30 days.

US backs Israel's ban on UNRWA Gaza aid operations at World Court

The US said Israel had the right to determine which organizations could provide basic needs to the population of the Palestinian territories.

By REUTERS
30/04/2025

What’s at stake for Israel at the ICJ in Gaza genocide suit?

Legal affairs correspondent Sarah Ben-Nun joins the Jerusalem Post Studio to discuss what the hearings could mean for Israel.

'World failed Palestinian people': South Africa to ICJ

The only certainty that the Palestinian people have is that tomorrow is going to be worse said the South African representative at the ICJ hearing. 

 People hold Palestinian flags and placards outside The International Court of Justice, in The Hague

Israel's aid blockade 'targets life' in Gaza, Palestinian delegation tells ICJ

Israel did not participate in the hearings, which focused on the question of whether Israel acted against its commitments in banning UNRWA.

  Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar accuses UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of whitewashin

UN's Guterres is whitewashing UNRWA's part in October 7, Israeli FM says

"At this very moment, the ICJ is beginning deliberations in another shameful proceeding against Israel," Sa'ar said.

 A torn UNRWA logo is seen among destruction in Rafah, in southern Gaza, January 22, 2025

DOJ submits letter over UNRWA immunity, clears way for lawsuit over Oct. 7 attack

The letter contradicts the position of the Biden administration, which claimed that UNRWA was immune because the UN didn't waive immunity.

 Liberal Leader Mark Carney shakes hands with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre following the Fre

Poilievre vows UNRWA funding cut over Hamas ties, Carney wants to maintain it

Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned Carney's "irresponsible" statement and requested a retraction in a Thursday social media post.

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