The Gaza Strip has long relied on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA, for essential aid. However, the agency’s reputation has been tarnished by allegations of involvement in the Hamas-led Oct. 7 assault on Israel, leading to the dismissal of accused employees and a suspension of funding by the United States.
UNRWA provides social services to Palestinian refugees and their descendants in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It plays a significant role in Gaza, where it operates schools, medical clinics, shelters, and playgrounds, and provides food, housing assistance, and emergency loans. The agency is also one of the largest employers in Gaza, employing 13,000 workers.
While the exact nature of the allegations against UNRWA remains unclear, the agency has long been accused by Israel of colluding with Hamas and turning a blind eye to militant activities in Gaza.
2024-01-28 09:44:14
Original from www.nytimes.com