Palestinians in Gaza View UNRWA Funding Cuts as a ‘Death Sentence’ – Reuters

By Fadi Shana and Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

RAFAH, Gaza Strip – Palestinian mother Mazouza Hassan expressed her deep concern over the possible repercussions for the U.N. agency responsible for most aid in Gaza, following the suspension of funding by several Western nations due to allegations that some employees participated in the recent Hamas attacks on Israel.

"We are being forced into tents, our children require vaccinations, and pregnant women need medical attention… Where will these people go?" said Hassan, while standing amongst the many displaced individuals in Rafah. Approximately 85% of Gaza’s residents have been rendered homeless by the military actions in the region.

The ongoing conflict has led Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with its beleaguered population facing the dual threats of famine and disease. The health care system has largely collapsed, schools have been converted into shelters, and many people are now living in tents.

For the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was already essential before the current hostilities began on October 7. UNRWA managed the area’s educational institutions, primary health clinics, and various social services. It serves as a vital lifeline for many, acting as the last barrier against impending disaster.

An official with UNRWA warned that the agency would be unable to sustain its operations after February if its funding is not restored. More than ten countries, including a significant donor, have halted their financial support.

"UNRWA is our future; it has been our lifeline from the beginning. Who will take care of us?" questioned Hassan while surrounded by her children.

The agency employs around 13,000 staff in Gaza, part of a larger workforce of approximately 30,000 assisting Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Israel has claimed that 13 UNRWA employees were involved in the recent Hamas attacks, which resulted in over 1,200 fatalities. Furthermore, Israel’s reports allege that 190 UNRWA staff members have affiliations with militant groups such as Hamas or Islamic Jihad.

In response, UNRWA has stated that it has terminated several employees and is investigating these claims.

Since the conflict erupted on October 7, Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in at least 26,600 deaths, according to local health authorities in the Hamas-led territory. This situation has prompted accusations of genocide from South Africa, a charge that Israel has denied at the International Court of Justice.

At an UNRWA aid distribution center in Rafah, overwhelmed by an influx of displaced individuals, men carried heavy sacks of flour while others waited in line for essential supplies.

Chris Gunness, a former UNRWA spokesperson, remarked that while the organization has historically faced funding challenges to provide core services, it is the urgent humanitarian assistance that is currently at grave risk. He stated, "The emergency program is crucial. Without funds, we can’t procure food from suppliers. The most vulnerable, including women with newborns in dire need of food, medicine, and hygiene products, will suffer the most."

One man waiting for aid, Ahmed al-Nahal, termed the funding cuts "a death sentence," adding that starvation would become a reality if aid is discontinued. "Without God and UNRWA, we would not survive," he lamented.

Established in 1948 to assist Palestinian refugees fleeing conflict, UNRWA has faced longstanding calls from Israel for its dissolution, with claims that its mission is outdated and fosters anti-Israeli sentiments—a claim the agency disputes.

"It is time to consider dismantling UNRWA and exploring alternative methods of supporting the Palestinians," said Israeli lawmaker Danny Danon from the Likud party.

Cooking flatbread with UNRWA-issued flour in a makeshift oven beside her tent, Umm Hassan al-Masry voiced her reliance on the agency: "We are waiting for their assistance at any moment."