The recent decision by several nations to temporarily freeze funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), following some of its employees' involvement in the horrific Oct. 7 massacre, has sparked a much-needed debate on the efficacy and implications of international aid to Palestinians.
UNRWA's complicity in violence and its role in perpetuating the Israel-Palestinian conflict raise serious questions about the continuation of its mandate in its current form. This revelation necessitates an urgent shift toward alternative humanitarian aid channels that ensure these contributions foster peace rather than conflict.
UNRWA, established in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, was tasked with providing assistance, protection and advocacy for Palestinian refugees. However, the agency's approach to defining "refugees," including the descendants of the original 1948 refugees, has contributed to an ever-expanding beneficiary base, now numbering in the millions. This policy not only diverges from the global norm managed by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, but also perpetuates a state of limbo that hinders the search for a durable solution.
UNRWA's single-focus mandate has fostered a biased narrative. Educational materials provided by UNRWA have been scrutinized for content that incites violence and promotes a distorted view of history. Furthermore, the agency's facilities have been misused by terrorist groups such as Hamas, compromising the neutrality expected of a UN body and endangering the lives of those it aims to serve.
The temporary suspension of funds to UNRWA by some donor countries is a symbolic gesture that highlights these concerns. But symbolism alone cannot rectify the underlying issues.
A permanent reevaluation of funding channels is necessary to ensure that aid does not inadvertently fuel the very conflict it seeks to alleviate. The international community must prioritize the delivery of aid in a manner that upholds principles of neutrality, promotes peace, and supports the well-being of all affected populations.
To this end, it is imperative to explore alternative mechanisms for delivering aid. Expanding the mandate of UNHCR to include Palestinians, thereby also standardizing the definition of "a "refugee," could pave the way for more sustainable solutions. Moreover, channeling aid through other established UN agencies, such as the World Food Program for food security, UNICEF for education, and the World Health Organization for health care, could ensure that assistance is delivered effectively and transparently.
This call for a permanent shift in how the international community provides aid to Palestinian territories is not a call to abandon support for Palestinians. It is a plea for a more responsible and effective approach to humanitarian assistance — one that contributes to peace and stability in the region rather than perpetuating the conflict forever.
As members of the international community, we must hold ourselves accountable for the outcomes of our interventions. The well-being of millions of Palestinians and Israelis — and the prospect of a lasting peace in the whole region — depends on our willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and adapt our strategies accordingly.
The complexities of the Israel-Palestinian conflict demand thoughtful, nuanced solutions. A permanent freeze on funding to UNRWA, coupled with the adoption of alternative aid channels, offers a path forward that respects the dignity of Palestinians while actively contributing to the conditions necessary for peace. Let this moment be an opportunity for us to reflect on our collective responsibility to build a world where aid is not just a stopgap, but a stepping stone to a brighter future for all.
Dan Illouz, a member of the Likud Party, sits on the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in Israel's Knesset.
Defund the UNRWA and find alternative channels to get aid to Palestinians
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08.02.2024
The recent decision by several nations to temporarily freeze funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), following some of its employees' involvement in the horrific Oct. 7 massacre, has sparked a much-needed debate on the efficacy and implications of international aid to Palestinians.
UNRWA's complicity in violence and its role in perpetuating the Israel-Palestinian conflict raise serious questions about the continuation of its mandate in its current form. This revelation necessitates an urgent shift toward alternative humanitarian aid channels that ensure these contributions foster peace rather than conflict.
UNRWA, established in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, was tasked with providing assistance, protection and advocacy for Palestinian refugees. However, the agency's approach to defining "refugees," including the descendants of the original 1948 refugees, has contributed to an ever-expanding........
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