Israel wages a war on UNRWA and dries up funding for aid to Palestine’s poor

Gaza (Quds News Network) – It seems that the scarce humanitarian aid received by impoverished civilians in the Gaza Strip, coupled with condemnation of the crimes against them, presented to the international community through various UN organizations, including UNRWA, is unsettling the Israeli occupation.

This sentiment is further echoed by Western governments, perceiving the exhibition of Palestinian suffering as an embarrassment before their populations, as evident in European capitals where public protests denounce the Israeli atrocities against civilians in Gaza.

Amidst the current challenging circumstances, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) serves as a vital lifeline for Palestinians in Gaza, providing essential services across various sectors for generations.

However, the agency consistently faces accusations from Israel, alleging its complicity with Hamas and assisting in disseminating anti-Israel propaganda among Gaza residents.

Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz criticized UNRWA on Saturday, stating, “Israel will seek to prevent the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating in the Gaza Strip after the war.” This statement follows Israel’s accusations against UN agency employees of being “involved” in the October 7 attack.

Expressing his stance on X, Katz outlined that the Foreign Ministry aims to ensure “UNRWA is not part of the post-war phase,” adding that he “will seek to garner support from the United States, the European Union, and other major donor parties.”

Italy joined Canada, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom in suspending funding for UNRWA after Israel’s allegations that some of the Agency’s employees were involved in the October 7 attacks.

In response, Hamas urged the United Nations and international institutions not to succumb to what it described as “Israel’s threats and extortion.”

Simultaneously, the Palestine Liberation Organization called on countries that announced the suspension of their support for UNRWA to “immediately reverse their decision,” emphasizing the “significant political and humanitarian risks” it entails.