Factbox: What is UNRWA, the U.N. Agency for Palestinian Refugees?

GENEVA (Reuters) – Funding for the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) has been suspended by major donors due to allegations linking approximately 12 of its staff members to the October 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas.

Overview of UNRWA

UNRWA, or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, was created in 1949 following a U.N. General Assembly resolution. This was a response to the displacement of about 700,000 Palestinians during the conflict surrounding Israel’s establishment.

Today, UNRWA employs around 30,000 Palestinians and addresses the civic and humanitarian needs of approximately 5.9 million descendants of refugees across the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and camps in neighboring Arab countries. In Gaza specifically, the agency employs 13,000 individuals who operate schools, primary healthcare clinics, and various social services, as well as distribute humanitarian aid. The significance of its services in Gaza has surged since 2005, following the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt, which has led to severe economic challenges and high unemployment rates.

Since Israel’s military response began after the October 7 attacks, about one million residents of Gaza, almost 45% of the enclave’s population, have sought refuge in UNRWA-operated schools, clinics, and other public facilities. The majority of the Gazan population now relies on UNRWA for essential supplies, including food, water, and hygiene items. Tragically, over 150 UNRWA staff members have lost their lives since the onset of the conflict, marking it as the deadliest period for United Nations employees.

Major Donors

The funding for UNRWA primarily comes from United Nations member states, regional governments, and contributions from the European Union, which together provide more than 89% of the agency’s budget. Additional support comes from the regular U.N. budget and various U.N. bodies.

In 2022, key government contributors included the United States, Germany, the European Union, Sweden, Norway, Japan, France, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Turkey. However, following the recent allegations, countries such as the United States, Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland have halted their funding.

Israeli Allegations

An Israeli report shared with the United States alleges that 12 UNRWA employees participated in the October 7 attacks, including nine individuals who served as teachers. Ten of these staff members allegedly took part directly in the assault into Israeli territory, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the capture of over 240 hostages, while two others purportedly assisted in the operation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that 13 UNRWA employees were involved, with further claims that 190 individuals associated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad were employed by the agency.

UNRWA’s Response

In response, UNRWA announced that it acted swiftly to terminate the employment of those accused after being informed of the Israeli evidence. The agency expressed concern that these funding cuts could threaten its mission and exacerbate the already critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini described the funding suspension as shocking, especially given the swift action taken in response to the allegations.

A spokesperson for UNRWA warned that without resumed funding, the agency would struggle to continue its operations in Gaza and the broader region beyond February. Financially strained for many years, UNRWA had previously appealed for $1.6 billion to sustain its operations in early 2023.

Israel’s Longstanding Critique of UNRWA

Israeli officials have historically called for the dismantling of UNRWA, claiming that its mission is outdated and that it encourages anti-Israeli sentiments among its staff and in education. Netanyahu has accused the agency of being "perforated with Hamas," asserting that its schools propagate anti-Israel ideologies.

In the past, Netanyahu has urged the United States to reconsider its support for UNRWA, previously praising the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding. The agency has faced other controversies, including a resignation in 2019 amid a misconduct inquiry and incidents involving rockets discovered at its facilities in 2014.