UNRWA: Balancing Political Roles and Upholding International Commitments to Palestinian Refugee Rights
On Monday, October 28, 2024, the Israeli Knesset passed legislation banning the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) within Israel. This move was justified by claims that the agency is “infiltrated by armed Palestinian factions” and that its presence obstructs efforts to resolve the broader conflict with the Palestinians.
UNRWA, one of the most politically sensitive UN institutions, has a role that extends beyond providing humanitarian aid. Initially conceived as a temporary solution to provide relief and development support to Palestinian refugees, it has evolved into a crucial part of the ongoing political discourse on the Palestinian question and the right of return.
However, is this rationale the real motivation behind the legislation? Why have successive Israeli governments, for decades, targeted UNRWA and its activities despite its purely humanitarian mission and Israel’s lack of financial support to the agency? What threat does this organization pose to Israel, and what does Israel aim to achieve with such a decision?
The justifications provided by Israel are weak and can be easily disproven as neither valid nor legitimate. The underlying reason for Israel’s animosity toward UNRWA lies in its political significance in the Palestinian issue, particularly regarding the refugees.
Historical Context and UNRWA’s Creation
To understand this political role, we must ask why the UN created a dedicated agency for Palestinian refugees, unlike any other refugee group in the world, who are overseen by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). According to 2023 UNHCR statistics, the largest refugee populations came from Syria and Afghanistan (6.4 million each), followed by Venezuela (6.1 million), Ukraine (6.0 million), and then Palestinian refugees (5.9 million).
This unique treatment dates back to the aftermath of UN General Assembly Resolution 181, adopted on November 29, 1947, which called for the end of the British Mandate and the partitioning of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. Following this resolution, Zionist militias launched operations to expel Palestinians from their towns and villages, culminating in the creation of the state of Israel on May 15, 1948. This led to the displacement of approximately 850,000 Palestinians, leaving only 170,000 Arabs within the new Israeli territories.
The creation of Israel and the resulting mass displacement were directly linked to Resolution 181, leading the international community to acknowledge its role and responsibility for the refugee crisis. In response, the UN established UNRWA through Resolution 302 on December 8, 1949, tasked with preventing widespread suffering and providing the conditions for peace and stability among Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA’s Role and International Responsibility
UNRWA’s establishment marked an explicit recognition of the international community’s responsibility for the Palestinian refugee crisis. This acknowledgment was not just symbolic but an extension of the UN’s awareness of its role in the partition of Palestine and its subsequent impact on the Palestinian people. The agency’s existence underlines a moral and legal commitment to address the refugee issue comprehensively, upholding their rights and identity.
From its inception, UNRWA’s mandate has included more than just humanitarian aid; it has become an enduring testament to the unresolved status of Palestinian refugees. The agency’s role in education, healthcare, and relief serves as a continuous reminder that the refugee issue is integral to the Palestinian cause and that their right of return remains unaddressed.
The Political Dimension of UNRWA
UNRWA’s presence is inherently political, symbolizing the international community’s acknowledgment of its ongoing obligations toward Palestinian refugees. This political aspect ensures that the issue is not relegated to mere aid but linked to fundamental rights and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The existence of UNRWA affirms that the refugee crisis is unresolved and that their rights, especially the right of return, remain legitimate and pressing concerns.
Israel perceives UNRWA as an impediment to erasing the Palestinian right of return from political discourse, seeing the agency as a symbol that perpetuates Palestinian claims and hinders any peace negotiations that overlook refugee rights. Consequently, Israeli actions to undermine UNRWA are part of broader efforts to diminish the agency’s influence and the political leverage it affords Palestinians.
Consequences of Undermining UNRWA
Restricting or disrupting UNRWA’s work has serious humanitarian and political repercussions. On a humanitarian level, millions of Palestinian refugees rely on its services for education, healthcare, and essential aid. As economic and social crises deepen in the region, these services are crucial for maintaining stability and preventing further decline.
Politically, sidelining UNRWA exacerbates frustration and anger among Palestinians and increases the likelihood of heightened tensions. The agency is not just a provider of aid but a symbol of hope and resilience. Attempts to weaken its role signal a retreat from international commitments to a just resolution for refugees, reinforcing the perception of neglecting their rights.
Moreover, obstructing UNRWA sends a dangerous message of non-compliance with international resolutions and reflects ongoing attempts to erase the right of return and ignore the humanitarian and political dimensions of the crisis. While Israel may claim security concerns, these arguments fail to disguise the reality that UNRWA embodies the enduring struggle for Palestinian rights.
UNRWA as a Symbol of Palestinian Rights
UNRWA should not be viewed merely as a humanitarian organization but as an institution embedded in the political and historical fabric of the Palestinian issue. Its existence symbolizes the international recognition of Palestinian refugee rights and the collective responsibility to address their plight. It is an integral part of the broader Palestinian struggle to protect their rights, including the right of return.
Supporting UNRWA and ensuring its operations continue reflects a commitment to human rights and justice, signifying that the Palestinian issue remains alive in global conscience. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without a fair solution that respects refugee rights. UNRWA’s role is thus essential in maintaining this focus and ensuring that the international community upholds its obligations. Without it, the path to peace becomes even more fraught, pushing the crisis further into uncertainty.
Ibraheem Jabr is a seasoned legal professional with extensive expertise in international law, human rights, and commercial legal support. Based in Eindhoven, Netherlands,Ibraheem is the Founder and Legal Counsel at Legal Bridge, where they provide expert legal advice to EU-based government agencies and law firms navigating the complex legal landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.