The United States-led Board of Peace (BoP) has announced that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) will not participate in Gaza’s reconstruction efforts, a decision reflecting a long-standing request from Israeli authorities to marginalize the organization that provides critical aid to millions of Palestinians.
The BoP, mandated with overseeing a ceasefire and reconstruction initiatives in Gaza, stated its intention to engage only with partners it considers reliable and capable of addressing the urgent needs of the local population—an assertion they claim UNRWA does not fulfill. This determination was made public as the BoP revealed a multi-billion-dollar plan aimed at initiating reconstruction in Gaza, nearly one year after a ceasefire commenced in the region.
Presenting the plan during the United Nations General Assembly session, the BoP emphasized that vital components of the ceasefire remain unresolved, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the disarmament of Hamas. Since its establishment in 1949, UNRWA has been a lifeline for many Palestinians displaced by conflict, yet the BoP’s current stance on collaboration raises concerns about the future of aid and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Notably, the BoP’s plan proposes a comprehensive blueprint consisting of 66 projects, valued at approximately .4 billion, which aims to initiate the recovery of Gaza. UNRWA, however, has not been included among the agencies recognized by the BoP for cooperation. The board reiterated its policy, suggesting that UNRWA fails to meet the necessary criteria for partnership, despite acknowledging previous interactions with the agency.
In response, UNRWA’s acting Commissioner-General highlighted the organization’s significant humanitarian role, underscoring the critical need for its continued presence, especially amid urgent humanitarian crises. Former head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, cautioned that the exclusion of the agency could lead to dire consequences for Palestinian communities already facing immense challenges.
Hamas, on its part, criticized the BoP’s exclusion of UNRWA, interpreting the decision as an alignment with Israeli interests aimed at undermining the agency and obstructing vital aid to refugees. The ongoing conditions in Gaza remain dire, with a significant portion of its population living in displacement due to ongoing hostilities.
Despite these setbacks, the resilience of the Palestinian people continues to shine through as they await a resolution that acknowledges their rights and offers a path to sustainable recovery. The situation in Gaza necessitates a collaborative approach that takes into account the invaluable services provided by UNRWA and the pressing needs of the Palestinian population.
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