I have become increasingly concerned about the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Recent allegations regarding its potential alignment with Hamas have heightened my unease. This issue transcends politics; it has deep implications for peace in a region that has experienced significant hardship. It seems timely to reassess the agency’s future and its impact on the people it serves.
The Historical Context: UNHCR and UNRWA
Reflecting on my family’s journey to Canada, I am reminded of the different paths that could have shaped our lives. We arrived in 1951, fleeing a war-torn Europe that offered few prospects for Jews like us. By 1956, we had proudly become Canadian citizens. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), established shortly before our arrival, has a clear mission: to aid and protect refugees and forcibly displaced communities. It offers pathways—such as voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement—enabling refugees to rebuild their lives with dignity.
As of June 2020, the UNHCR had resettled over 20 million refugees within two to three years of gaining refugee status, illustrating the effectiveness of its approach. In contrast, the experience of Palestinian refugees under UNRWA’s mandate presents a very different picture.
UNRWA: An Overview
UNRWA was established in 1949 by the UN General Assembly to provide relief to all refugees displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, including both Jewish and Arab populations. However, over time, its focus has shifted exclusively to Palestinian Arab refugees. Unlike the UNHCR, which aims for resettlement and integration, UNRWA has maintained the “right of return” to Israel for Palestinian refugees, a sentiment passed down through generations. This unique definition of “refugee” includes descendants and those who have resettled or acquired citizenship in other countries.
Today, more than 5 million people are recognized as Palestinian refugees by UNRWA, many of whom assert a “right of return.” This ongoing demand complicates discussions about Israeli sovereignty and national identity. Additionally, the persistence of this issue contributes to the long-standing nature of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, especially in light of the recent increase in violence following October 7, 2023.
The Challenges with UNRWA
A significant issue with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is its unique status as the only UN agency dedicated solely to one group—Palestinian refugees—while other regions rely on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for support. This distinction has led some Palestinians to maintain their refugee status for decades, even while living in different countries, raising important questions about identity and belonging.
UNRWA’s approach has kept Palestinian refugees in a prolonged state of uncertainty and dependency for over 75 years. This situation may foster resentment and hinder efforts toward reconciliation, as prolonged dependency can perpetuate a cycle of conflict and instability. Without viable pathways for resettlement or integration, both refugees and the broader region struggle to break free from this cycle, leaving many feeling trapped in a limbo of displacement.
Einat Wilf, addressing UN delegations, argues that UNRWA has contributed to the Palestinian vision of “return” to pre-1948 lands—a perspective that challenges the legitimacy of Israeli statehood. This alignment with the notion of return has led to associations between UNRWA and groups advocating for the destruction of Israel, complicating pathways to peace and raising concerns about the agency’s neutrality. The agency’s role in shaping identity and belonging narratives cannot be overlooked.
In Gaza, for instance, international aid intended for rebuilding schools, hospitals, and homes has been diverted. Resources meant for civilian welfare have been redirected by Hamas toward military objectives, such as training militias and constructing tunnels for warfare. This diversion not only exacerbates the suffering of ordinary people but also undermines efforts to achieve stability and security for all parties involved.
The situation surrounding UNRWA underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the agency’s role in the Israeli-Hamas conflict. To move toward lasting peace and stability in the region, it is essential to find viable pathways for resettlement and integration and hold accountable those who misuse humanitarian aid.
Moving Forward
It is crucial to reevaluate UNRWA’s role. This is not about dismissing refugees’ needs or legitimate concerns; it’s about breaking a cycle that has kept them trapped in ongoing conflict. Updating objectives, implementing rigorous oversight, and transitioning UNRWA’s responsibilities to the UNHCR could provide a pathway for meaningful progress.