When it is time to reinforce and not weaken UNRWA, donor countries must prioritize impartiality, evidence-based decision-making, and the protection of civilian lives in their response to the allegations against UNRWA.
-- Ragamalika Muraleedharan
On March 28, 2024, Firstpost reported the Israeli airstrike that hit the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, resulting in the death of at least 18 people, including 8 children. This tragic event occurred amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, 2023, and has claimed the lives of over 32,000 Palestinians. The major organisation that has been actively supporting the survivors and refugees of war has been UNRW.
Founded in 1949, The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is a UN agency that supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. UNRWA, funded primarily by UN member states, including long-time major contributors like the US, EU, United Kingdom, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates, has recently faced allegations related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Israel accused several UNRWA staff members of involvement in Hamas attacks on October 7.
Palestinian supporters have claimed that Israel's allegations against UNRWA staff, with heightened tensions and military actions, raises suspicions about the motives behind these accusations. Without concrete evidence provided by Israel to substantiate these claims, the allegations appear to be politically motivated and not based on factual evidence. The dynamics surrounding the funding and allegations against UNRWA in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict reveals several critical points of contention and raises questions about the integrity of the accusations made by Israel, as well as the responses from key donor countries like the UK and the US.
In response to the accusations, significant donor countries such as the UK and the US opted to suspend funding to UNRWA based on these unproven claims. Expressing dismay, the UK government remarked that it was "appalled" by Israel's allegations. The UK Foreign Office, in a statement to the BBC in January, stated, "The UK is temporarily pausing any future funding of UNWRA whilst we review these concerning allegations." However, there has been no indication of the UK following up or requesting evidence from Israel to facilitate the review process or to consider resuming funding.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said to the media that a number of donor countries suspended $440 million worth of funding to the agency as the war in Gaza continues unabated. Reflecting on a lack of due diligence and critical assessment of the situation, these funding countries have opted to halt crucial humanitarian assistance, potentially exacerbating the suffering of Palestinian refugees who rely on UNRWA's support.
The organisation is now struggling to get humanitarian aid to many of the estimated 1.7 million people - nearly three-quarters of the population - displaced by 12 weeks of fighting. Furthermore, the implications of funding cuts to UNRWA are dire, not only for the immediate humanitarian crisis but also for the stability of the region. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing essential services and assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees, and any disruptions to its operations could have far-reaching consequences, including increased radicalization and insecurity in the region.
When it is the time to reinforce and not weaken UNRWA it is imperative for donor countries to prioritize impartiality, evidence-based decision-making, and the protection of civilian lives in their response to the allegations against UNRWA. This entails conducting thorough investigations into the accusations, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process, and resuming funding to UNRWA without delay to prevent further humanitarian deterioration and instability in the region. The focus and pressure needs to gear towards the International Court of Justice to take this matter seriously as with the ongoing attacks and weakening of UNRWA, the plight of Palestine people is just getting severe day by day.
As significant players in global affairs, the US, UK, and other donor nations must pay attention to these appeals and act responsibly to uphold their commitments to humanitarian principles and international law. On March 24th, Guterres posted on a social media platform, stating, "Horror and starvation haunt the people of Gaza. Any additional attacks will exacerbate the situation. It will worsen conditions for Palestinian civilians, hostages, and all individuals in the region."
Amidst the reduction in funding, powerful nations are engaging in UN discussions regarding a ceasefire in Hamas. The US presented a resolution to the UN Security Council, demanding a ceasefire linked directly to the release of hostages. However, Russia and China, both permanent members of the Security Council, opposed the resolution. In response, Israel asserted to CNN, 'The state of Israel will not cease fire,' as stated by Katz. He added, 'We will destroy Hamas and continue fighting until the last of the hostages returns home.' Additionally, China's call for reconsideration of funding suspension, aimed at the US, has transformed the Israel-Hamas conflict into a struggle among nations for dominance as well.
Bottomline being, the ongoing dialogues and politics behind cutting funding are undermining the credibility of the international community and perpetuating the cycle of violence and suffering in the Middle East.
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