U.S. Envoy Calls for Shift in Gaza Support: Ending UNRWA Funding
In a recent address at the United Nations, Ambassador Jeff Bartos urged donors to reconsider their support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), advocating instead for a new framework aimed at providing “peace, prosperity, and real durable change” for the people of Gaza.
The call for a change comes amid a legal battle involving the family of a victim from the October 7, 2023 attack, leading to more scrutiny on UNRWA’s role in the region. Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, an Israeli civil rights lawyer, filed a lawsuit in the District Court of Jerusalem on behalf of 21-year-old Yonatan Samerano’s family after his tragic death. Samerano was killed by terrorists near Kibbutz Be’eri after fleeing from the Nova music festival.
Darshan-Leitner claims that after his death, Samerano’s body was taken by UNRWA workers and transferred to Gaza, where the organization allegedly failed to cooperate with Israeli authorities regarding the location of his remains. As a result, the family is now pursuing significant damages under Israeli law, with legal challenges intensified by recent changes that strip UNRWA of diplomatic immunity.
The Israeli Knesset passed new legislation allowing the government to reclaim UNRWA properties in East Jerusalem, effectively limiting the agency’s operations. In this context, the Samerano family seeks nearly $8 million in damages, and UNRWA recently requested a 45-day extension to respond to the lawsuit.
The controversy surrounding UNRWA has led to calls from U.S. officials to cease funding for the agency, as questions about its involvement with Hamas have surfaced. A U.S. official stated that evidence suggests UNRWA has become intertwined with violence and instability, stating that credible organizations can replace UNRWA to meet the humanitarian needs in Gaza.
In contrast, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has defended UNRWA, emphasizing its vital role in the community. He acknowledged the challenges faced by UNRWA staff and condemned the attacks on them amid the ongoing conflict, reaffirming the need to support their mission.
As discussions continue about Gaza’s future, the newly formed Board of Peace has clarified that it will not work with UNRWA, citing the latter’s inability to align with their goals for a peaceful resolution. The Board of Peace is determined to collaborate only with trustworthy partners dedicated to fostering stability and rejecting extremism.
This evolving scenario raises critical questions about the direction of humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the future of organizations like UNRWA as stakeholders navigate this complex landscape of peace, security, and accountability.
