With the Israel-Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement in motion, it’s vital that humanitarian aid can reach those that suffering. UNRWA's work in Gaza needs protection.
Use this page to learn more and find out how you can advocate for change.
What is UNRWA?
UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. It was set up in 1949 to support Palestinians displaced by successive conflicts in the region. It provides a distribution system for significant amounts of aid entering Gaza from other agencies
How is the work of UNRWA being stopped?
Two Israeli laws will come into effect on 30th January 2025, which make the main United Nations’ aid distribution network to Gaza (UNRWA) functionally illegal. With no clear alternative, this will mean increased suffering for millions. Under international law, Israel must ensure humanitarian needs are met in the occupied Palestinian territories. If UNRWA becomes illegal, Israel must provide an alternative.
Currently 1.2 million Palestinian refugees depend on food aid delivered through UNRWA and 1.9 million access their health services. UNRWA also provides the distribution system for aid entering Gaza from other agencies, including the World Food Programme and World Health Organisation. It is the only agency able to deliver emergency relief at the scale the current devastation requires.
Since conflict broke out in October 7, 2024, 46,000 Palestinians and over 1,700 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed. 96% of Gaza’s population does not have enough food. According to the Red Cross, 2 million people in Gaza face crisis levels of food insecurity, with 345,000 of those facing catastrophic levels. Malnutrition and dehydration are leading to disease and death. Only 6 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are functioning, including the Anglican-run Al Ahli hospital.
The Israeli Government has claimed involvement of UNRWA staff in the October 7 attacks and wider infiltration of Hamas across the organisation. An independent investigation was carried out into these claims and nine UNRWA staff were dismissed. The report outlined further improvements to be made to UNRWA’s existing neutrality measures, code of ethics and screening of applicants. Read more here.
There is widespread international support for UNRWA to continue its operations, partly because no other humanitarian agency can operate at the scale needed to support people across a devasted Gaza. The Anglican Communion’s UN team are calling Anglicans to write to or speak with their local or national political leaders, asking them to find out what alternative Israel will offer to UNRWA and calling on them to delay enacting the legislation in order to provide for the most vulnerable.
Internationally, many have stated how the laws preventing UNRWA’s operations could have devastating consequences.
"UNRWA is the principal means by which essential assistance is supplied to Palestine refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. There is no alternative to UNRWA. The implementation of the laws could have devastating consequences for Palestine refugees in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which is unacceptable. I call on Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and its other obligations under international law, including under international humanitarian law and those concerning privileges and immunities of the United Nations. National legislation cannot alter those obligations." Read here
"The members of the Security Council underscored that UNRWA remains the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza, and affirmed that no organization can replace or substitute UNRWA’s capacity and mandate to serve Palestinian refugees and civilians in urgent need of life-saving humanitarian assistance… In this regard, they urged the Israeli Government to abide by its international obligations, respect the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and live up to its responsibility to allow and facilitate full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance in all its forms into and throughout the entire Gaza strip, including the provision of sorely needed basic services to the civilian population." Read here.
“The ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas has been far too long in the making, but it is welcome news for those caught up in this devastating violence. My prayers are with all the families being reunited over the coming days, and for those who are still held in captivity. My prayers too are with the people of Gaza who have suffered such immense destruction, deprivation and displacement. Now must be the time – again, so long overdue – for unfettered aid to reach the people of Gaza, and for the indispensable role of UNRWA to be respected and protected by all parties. May this deal be a precursor to a wider, more durable and just settlement in the region: it must not be a false dawn.” Read the full statement here.
"The UK is gravely concerned at the UNRWA bills that Israel’s Knesset has passed. This legislation risks making UNRWA‘s essential work for Palestinians impossible, jeopardising the entire international humanitarian response in Gaza and delivery of essential health and education services in the West Bank. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is simply unacceptable." Read here.
“UNRWA is the only organisation able to deliver at the scale needed in Gaza. With the rest of the UN Security Council, we expressed grave concern at legislation that will make UNRWA’s operations in the OPTs near impossible. It is totally wrong. Israel must ensure UNRWA can continue its work.” Read here.
“China reiterates its firm support for UNRWA and expresses its serious concerns over and condemnation of Israel's systematic steps to suppress UNRWA, including the Knesset's adoption of the bills against the Agency. Relevant bills must be halted in their implementation and revoked as soon as possible… with Gaza already being a living hell, UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian assistance in the region, supporting the lifeline of two million people. Its role is irreplaceable.” Read here
“We also acknowledge the vital role of UNRWA in facilitating and distributing aid to civilians.” Read statement here
“Going forward, Israel must also ensure that the implementation of recent legislation does not further impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance and critical services, including by UNRWA, which remains a vital lifeline for Palestinians." Read the statement here
“Severing this lifeline in Gaza as winter threatens to exacerbate an already desperate situation is cruel and dangerous.” Read more here
"In a situation where there is no functioning government, UNRWA is the only institution providing effective humanitarian assistance to desperate people." Read more here.