UNRWA

Main donor US unclear on UNRWA future, jettisoning it would leave black hole, agency chief says

UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini compared what would happen if the agency shut down to what happened in Iraq in 2003.

Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, attends a meeting of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution, at Oslo City Hall in Oslo, Norway, January 15, 2025.
US President Donald Trump looks on as he signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, May 5, 2025

US President Trump signs budget with $4 billion for Israel, ban on UNRWA funding

A woman holds an image depicting Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, during a demonstration in support of the nationwide protests in Iran, in London, Britain, January 25, 2026

Pahlavi calls for another day of action, mortars found in UNRWA blankets

Weapons found in humanitarian aid bags in southern Gaza.

IDF finds huge haul of mortars in UNRWA blankets, humanitarian aid


Jerusalem shuts down UNRWA vocational center after Netanyahu directive

According to the Israel Police, people uninvolved with the center began throwing stones at police officers stationed outside, who responded using riot dispersal methods.

A Palestinian woman takes part in a protest against possible reductions of the services and aid offered by United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), in front of UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City August 16, 2015.

Trump's new Washington makes Jordan's King Abdullah hold his tongue - analysis

Almost exactly a year before, Abdullah stood beside Biden and openly took issue with US policy. This time, he sat beside Trump and held his tongue.

President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Jordan's King Abdullah II attend a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, February 11, 2025.

Netanyahu offers support to Trump's plan to displace Palestinians in Gaza

Sean Hannity interviewed Netanyahu on Fox News, discussing Gaza, Iran's nuclear and hegemony ambitions, US interests in the Middle East, and if Trump is the best friend Israel has had in Washington.

 Sean Hannity (L) interviewing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) on Fox News, February 5, 2025.

FM Sa'ar announces Israel withdraws from UNHRC

This move comes a day after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the US from the UNHRC on Tuesday.

MK Gideon Sa'ar attends a civil investigative committee hearing on the October 7 massacre, in Tel Aviv, August 18, 2024

Trump signs executive order withdrawing US from UN Human Rights Council and UNRWA

Further, Trump stated that US funding to the UN as a whole is disproportionate.

An illustrative image of US President Donald Trump.

The PA admits: UNRWA is a political organization - opinion

Democratic countries, together with humanitarian organizations, must confront UNRWA with the PA’s own words and end the charade of a “humanitarian” UNRWA, and stop the violation of human rights. 

Phillipe Lazzarini.

UNRWA carries on aid work despite Israeli ban

Juliette Touma, director of communications of UNRWA, claimed any disruptions to its work in Gaza would put a ceasefire deal at risk.

 UNRWA sack containing explosives, August 22, 2024.

European ministers slam Israel’s restrictions on UNRWA

The ministers urged the Israeli government to work with international partners, including the UN, to abide by these commitments.  

 A damaged sign is pictured at the headquarters of UNRWA following an Israeli raid in Gaza City, on July 12, 2024.

United Hatzalah requests UN's Guterres's support in taking over UNRWA compound

Beer stressed that United Hatzalah caters to all communities in Israel and the West Bank, and would foster peace in the region.

 A United Hatzalah volunteer approaches an emergency response vehicle.

Israel cut all ties with UNRWA: ‘This was just the beginning’ - MK Dan Illouz

"No other refugee population had an agency like UNRWA,” Illouz said.

 A damaged sign is pictured at the headquarters of UNRWA following an Israeli raid in Gaza City, on July 12, 2024.