International aid groups urge EU to resume funding for UN agency for Palestinian refugees

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - A group of international aid organizations urged the EU and member states to resume funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), stressing that no other organization can replace its work in war-torn Gaza.

"We urge the EU and Member States to take note that other aid agencies cannot replicate UNRWA’s central role in the humanitarian response in Gaza, and amidst the current crisis," they said in a joint statement.

The statement was signed by the International Rescue Committee, MdM International Network, Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion, Norwegian Refugee Council, CARE International, Eurochild, Plan International, Mercy Corps, ActionAid International, Premiere Urgence Internationale, Save the Children, Action Against Hunger, Oxfam, Danish Refugee Council, Refugees International, War Child Alliance and DanChurch Aid

They said that many aid groups will struggle "to even maintain their current operations without UNRWA’s partnership and support."

The statement also noted that the suspension of funding to the main aid provider for millions of Palestinians in Gaza will "impact life-saving assistance for over 2 million people."

Several countries have suspended UNRWA funding after Tel Aviv alleged that some of the agency's employees were involved in the cross-border attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

UNRWA said it terminated contracts with several employees following the Israeli allegations.

Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation.

The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.