4 things to know about UNRWA, Gaza's largest aid organization

Nov 13, 2023 ·

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) recently pledged to provide aid to the Palestinians living in Gaza. UNRWA has been providing aid to Palestinians since 1949, when they were first displaced by the creation of Israel. This latest pledge is a response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The aid provided by UNRWA includes food, housing, medical care, sanitation, education, and employment opportunities. The UN estimates that at least 700,000 Palestinians are currently living in Gaza, with over 85% of households relying on UNRWA aid for basic needs. This aid is especially important during times of conflict, when access to supplies can be limited.

Israel has long argued that UNRWA support only strengthens Hamas’s grip on Gaza. In August 2019, the US announced it was defunding UNRWA, claiming the agency was perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Other countries have responded by increasing their contributions to UNRWA.

Despite the tensions between Israel and Palestine, UNRWA has remained steadfast in its mission to provide aid to Palestinians in need. This latest pledge from UNRWA will ensure that those living in Gaza can still receive the assistance they need.

UNRWA's commitment to supporting Palestinians in Gaza demonstrates its dedication to humanitarian aid and is an important step towards peace. By helping the people of Gaza meet their basic needs, UNRWA is helping to improve the lives of all those affected by the conflict. It is hopeful that more countries will continue to contribute to UNRWA in order to ensure the Palestinians in Gaza can get the help they need.