The recent directive for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) to halt its operations in Israel and the occupied territory has sparked fear among many Palestinians about the impact on their lives and future.
UNRWA played a vital role in providing support to the 2.3 million Palestinians who were affected by Israel’s 15-month war on Gaza. As the conflict left much of the population displaced and the region in ruins, UNRWA served as a crucial lifeline for those in need of humanitarian assistance.
Apart from its essential humanitarian work, refugees, who make up 71 percent of Gaza’s population, are concerned about losing their connection to their family’s original homes and the right to return to the land of historic Palestine, now part of Israel.
Established in 1949 to assist the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by Israel’s creation a year earlier, UNRWA has symbolized the refugees’ hope of returning to their homeland.
Sitting amidst the wreckage of his demolished home in Khan Younis, 74-year-old Abu Nael Hamouda describes UNRWA as a “vital lifeline” that has provided education, healthcare, and food during times of both peace and war.
“UNRWA is like oxygen for Palestinian refugees,” says Hamouda, who originally hails from the Palestinian town of Majdal, now part of Ashkelon in Israel. “It has been a lifeline for us and our future generations.”
In October 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed laws designating UNRWA as a “terrorist” organization and banning its operations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The move, criticized by many international allies, including the US, has raised concerns about the well-being of Palestinians who rely on UNRWA’s aid.
As the deadline for UNRWA’s closure approaches, refugees are uncertain about what the future holds. The recent proposition by US President Donald Trump for Palestinians in Gaza to relocate to Egypt and Jordan has been rejected, adding to the challenges faced by the displaced population.
In the southern Gaza refugee camp of Khan Younis, Abu Ahmed Hamad reflects on the importance of UNRWA in providing essential services for his family during times of crisis. Despite the presence of other humanitarian organizations, Hamad doubts they can fill the void left by UNRWA’s comprehensive support.
For many Palestinians, UNRWA represents not just a provider of aid but also a symbol of their struggle for justice and recognition. Its closure is seen as an attack on their right of return and the refugee cause as a whole.
As UNRWA faces challenges from Israel and financial constraints, there are calls for stronger leadership and a clear plan to navigate the crisis. The future remains uncertain for Palestinian refugees, who fear the loss of the agency that has been their lifeline for generations.
