After the extremely serious allegations implicating several United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) staff members in the terror attacks of 7 October in Israel, the Independent Review Group on UNRWA has released its final report. The information has been posted on a webpage specifically created to address the allegations against UNRWA staff. Following the release of the report, the Chairperson of the Group, Catherine Colonna, briefed the press.
UNRWA
For the people of Gaza, the past 100 days have felt like 100 years. This has been the largest displacement of the Palestinian people since 1948.
Civilians are dying while the world watches and families are being displaced en masse. UNRWA is calling for immediate access to humanitarian aid and urgent funding for Palestine Refugees.
Palestine refugees have the same human rights as everyone else. UNRWA contributes to fulfilling these rights, however challenging the circumstances.
The UN flag is flown at half-mast today in mourning for the 101 UNRWA humanitarian workers, killed in Gaza since 7 October. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has invited UN personnel worldwide to honour their memory by observing a minute of silence at 9:30 am. He recently deplored the unprecedented loss of life and commended those on the front lines of the humanitarian crisis: “More United Nations aid workers have been killed than in any comparable period in the history of our organization. I salute all those who continue their life-saving work despite the overwhelming challenges and risks.”
UNRWA was established more than 70 years ago, and its services include education, healthcare, camp infrastructure and social safety net assistance to Palestine refugees across the Middle East.This includes around two million people in Gaza, where UNRWA schools are now housing roughly 170,000 residents who have fled their homes in the wake of the escalating crisis sparked by Hamas attacks against Israel. UN News spoke to Juliette Touma, UNRWA Director of Communications, who described her 13,000 colleagues as “unsung heroes” who "have been on the ground providing services to people in need".
UNRWA met with Malak, a Palestinian refugee in Jenin, who shared her memories of her cousin Sadeel. Sadeel was killed following an Israeli Security Forces operation in Jenin camp. Malak wants to become a doctor, be happy and live safely.
Ola Abu Saleem, has turned her passion for hand-made art into a source of income for her family, by creating beautiful Ramadan decorations and lanterns. Amid their daily struggles, many Palestine refugees in Gaza are finding ways to generate income and share the joy of the month with their communities. UNRWA is participating in the holy month of Ramadhan through its teachers and training centers by building a sense of community and belonging in among the refugees. At the heart of Ramadan is the concept of charity and giving back to those in need. The practice of zakat, the giving of a portion of one's wealth to those in need, takes on a special significance during this time.
Amal Abu Snan from Gaza, received a loan from UNRWA and was able to purchase a sewing machine and some materials to start work as a seamstress. Twenty years later, she has made a name for herself creating quality dresses and embroidered gowns, and is well-respected for her craftsmanship. Today, she is keen to pass on her skills to the next generation.
Ghazzal - a ninth-grade student from the UNRWA Beit Surik Girls School in the West Bank – invented a device that opens windows automatically as soon as it senses gas, with the potential to save countless lives across the West Bank and beyond.
UNRWA launched its annual Summer Fun Weeks (SFWs) last week to serve some 120,000 Palestine refugee children and youth in the Gaza Strip. SFW will be held between 25 June - 28 July and will be provide vital psychosocial support for child and youth impacted by the repeated rounds of conflict and violence they have survived. Some 42 per cent of first grade UNRWA students surveyed require psychosocial support.
To address the lasting effects of conflict and economic stressors, UNRWA provides support to students to continue going to school – like Karam – through its ‘Back to School’ project.
Fatima Katash is an 8th grade student at the UNRWA Jalazone Basic Girls’ School. Jalazone camp is adjacent to the Israeli settlement of Beit El. Because the settlement and camp are so close, Israeli security patrols and a military presence often lead to clashes with Palestine refugees. During incidents, the UNRWA protection team directly interacts with the Israeli military to advocate for the protection of the children and to de-escalate the situation. The team also helps coordinate the evacuation of students and staff, in the event of clashes.
UNRWA Launches Innovative Centralized Digital Learning Platform
The people of Gaza are battling a pandemic, unemployment, and poverty while trying to cling to hope. UNRWA launched the 2021 Ramadan campaign so everyone has enough to eat during this holy month.