UNRWA

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is a UN agency that supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees. UNRWA's mandate encompasses Palestinians who fled or were expelled during the Nakba, the 1948 Palestine War, and subsequent conflicts, as well as their descendants, including legally adopted children. As of 2019, more than 5.6 million Palestinians are registered with UNRWA as refugees.
unrwa

Some of the key events about UNRWA

  • 1950
    Established emergency relief and works programs for Palestinian refugees
  • 1950
    Failed to adequately address the long-term needs of Palestinian refugees, focusing primarily on short-term relief
  • 1960
    Launched vocational training centers to provide skills and employment opportunities
  • 1967
    Provided emergency assistance to Palestinians displaced by the Six-Day War
  • 1967
    Struggled to cope with the influx of new refugees following the Six-Day War, straining resources and infrastructure
  • 1975
    Implemented a comprehensive primary healthcare program in refugee camps
  • 1982
    Expanded educational services to include secondary schooling for refugee children
  • 1982
    Faced criticism for its handling of refugee camps during the Lebanon War, including inadequate protection measures
  • 1991
    Offered emergency aid during the Gulf War to affected Palestinian refugees
  • 1997
    Accused of mismanagement and corruption in its operations, leading to internal investigations
  • 2000
    Initiated a microfinance program to support small businesses in refugee communities
  • 2002
    Facilities in the West Bank were damaged during the Second Intifada, disrupting services to refugees
  • 2005
    Provided crucial humanitarian assistance following Israel's disengagement from Gaza
  • 2006
    Criticized for slow response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Israeli military operations
  • 2009
    Faced funding shortfalls that threatened to close schools and health clinics in refugee camps
  • 2010
    Implemented an e-health system to improve medical services in refugee camps
  • 2014
    Offered shelter and emergency supplies to Palestinians during the Gaza conflict
  • 2014
    UNRWA facilities in Gaza were used to store Hamas weapons during the Gaza War, compromising neutrality
  • 2018
    Lost significant funding from its largest donor, the United States, creating a major financial crisis
  • 2021
    Accused of using educational materials that promoted antisemitism and violence in its schools

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

UNRWA Latest news

UN Refugee Chief Condemns Airstrikes in Lebanon, Citing IHL Violations

UN Refugee Chief Condemns Airstrikes in Lebanon, Citing IHL Violations

October 6 2024, 04:12 PM  •  1026 views
Gaza's Rubble Mountain: A Year of Conflict Leaves Lasting Scars

Gaza's Rubble Mountain: A Year of Conflict Leaves Lasting Scars

October 6 2024, 06:36 AM  •  3391 views
Gaza's Newborns: 20,000 Babies Born Amid War and Hardship

Gaza's Newborns: 20,000 Babies Born Amid War and Hardship

October 5 2024, 01:16 PM  •  747 views
Israeli Strike on West Bank Refugee Camp Claims Palestinian Lives

Israeli Strike on West Bank Refugee Camp Claims Palestinian Lives

October 3 2024, 08:15 PM  •  174 views
Gaza Conflict Overshadowed by Lebanon Crisis, Palestinians Fear

Gaza Conflict Overshadowed by Lebanon Crisis, Palestinians Fear

October 3 2024, 07:23 PM  •  503 views
Israel-Hamas War: One Year On, Peace Remains Elusive

Israel-Hamas War: One Year On, Peace Remains Elusive

October 3 2024, 11:29 AM  •  2095 views
Hamas Militant Killed in Gaza Airstrike, Israel Reports Senior Officials' Deaths

Hamas Militant Killed in Gaza Airstrike, Israel Reports Senior Officials' Deaths

October 3 2024, 10:32 AM  •  396 views
One Year After Hamas Attack: Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience

One Year After Hamas Attack: Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience

October 3 2024, 10:23 AM  •  489 views
Qatar's Emir Condemns Middle East Crisis as "Collective Genocide"

Qatar's Emir Condemns Middle East Crisis as "Collective Genocide"

October 3 2024, 09:06 AM  •  316 views
UN Defends Guterres Amid Israel's Entry Ban, Citing Operational Necessity

UN Defends Guterres Amid Israel's Entry Ban, Citing Operational Necessity

October 2 2024, 08:55 PM  •  1080 views
New Customs Rule and Restrictions Hinder Gaza Aid Deliveries

New Customs Rule and Restrictions Hinder Gaza Aid Deliveries

October 2 2024, 02:04 PM  •  7086 views
UN Employee Killed in Israeli Strike Revealed as Hamas Commander

UN Employee Killed in Israeli Strike Revealed as Hamas Commander

September 30 2024, 10:03 PM  •  33 views
UNRWA Chief Denies Knowledge of Employee's Hamas Ties Amid Controversy

UNRWA Chief Denies Knowledge of Employee's Hamas Ties Amid Controversy

September 30 2024, 10:01 PM  •  30 views
Netanyahu Defies US Cease-Fire Proposal in Fiery UN Address

Netanyahu Defies US Cease-Fire Proposal in Fiery UN Address

September 27 2024, 05:13 PM  •  1829 views
Netanyahu Addresses UN: Israel's Struggle Against 'Savage Enemies'

Netanyahu Addresses UN: Israel's Struggle Against 'Savage Enemies'

September 27 2024, 02:21 PM  •  359 views
Netanyahu Defends Israel's Actions at UN Amid Ongoing Conflicts

Netanyahu Defends Israel's Actions at UN Amid Ongoing Conflicts

September 27 2024, 02:07 PM  •  472 views
US Charity Worker Fatally Shot in Gaza Amid Rising Instability

US Charity Worker Fatally Shot in Gaza Amid Rising Instability

September 27 2024, 12:06 PM  •  392 views
Saudi Arabia Spearheads Global Initiative for Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Saudi Arabia Spearheads Global Initiative for Israeli-Palestinian Peace

September 27 2024, 11:59 AM  •  216 views
Netanyahu Faces Global Criticism at UN Amid Escalating Conflicts

Netanyahu Faces Global Criticism at UN Amid Escalating Conflicts

September 27 2024, 11:32 AM  •  87 views
Abbas Pleads for Gaza War's End at UN, Israel Criticizes Response

Abbas Pleads for Gaza War's End at UN, Israel Criticizes Response

September 27 2024, 10:38 AM  •  29 views
Israel Intensifies Military Operations in Gaza's Largest Refugee Camp

Israel Intensifies Military Operations in Gaza's Largest Refugee Camp

Israeli forces advance into Jabalia refugee camp, issuing evacuation orders amid heavy bombardment. Palestinian medics report casualties as the conflict marks its one-year anniversary, with humanitarian concerns escalating.

Society, Politics • October 8 2024, 08:39 AM  •  683 views
Gazans Reassess Hamas' October 7 Attack as Dissent Grows

Gazans Reassess Hamas' October 7 Attack as Dissent Grows

One year after Hamas' attack on Israel, a majority of Gazans now oppose the decision. Growing dissent and criticism emerge as Palestinians grapple with the consequences of the assault.

Society, Politics • October 8 2024, 07:43 AM  •  834 views
Global Tensions Rise on Hamas Attack Anniversary and Nobel Prize Awarded

Global Tensions Rise on Hamas Attack Anniversary and Nobel Prize Awarded

One year after Hamas's attack on Israel, global commemorations and ongoing conflicts mark a tense atmosphere. Meanwhile, scientific breakthroughs in gene regulation earn Nobel recognition.

Society, Politics • October 7 2024, 11:08 PM  •  837 views
Israel Marks Hamas Attack Anniversary, Criticizes UN Response

Israel Marks Hamas Attack Anniversary, Criticizes UN Response

Israel hosted a UN event commemorating the Hamas attack, criticizing the organization's response. The US supported Israel, while tensions in the region continue to escalate.

Society, Politics • October 7 2024, 09:50 PM  •  577 views
Gaza Strip: A Year of Devastation and Uncertain Future

Gaza Strip: A Year of Devastation and Uncertain Future

One year after the Israel-Hamas conflict began, Gaza faces unprecedented destruction. With massive infrastructure damage and displacement, rebuilding challenges loom large amid political uncertainty.

Society, Economics, Politics • October 7 2024, 07:36 AM  •  139 views
Israel-Lebanon Tensions Rise on Gaza War Anniversary

Israel-Lebanon Tensions Rise on Gaza War Anniversary

One year after Hamas attacks, cross-border clashes intensify between Israel and Lebanon. Gaza death toll reaches 41,870 as conflict persists, raising concerns of regional escalation.

Society, Politics • October 7 2024, 06:22 AM  •  648 views
Hezbollah Strikes Haifa as Israel Marks Gaza War Anniversary

Hezbollah Strikes Haifa as Israel Marks Gaza War Anniversary

Hezbollah rockets hit Haifa on the Gaza war's first anniversary, prompting Israeli retaliation. The conflict escalates, raising fears of a wider Middle East war involving Iran and its allies.

Society, Politics • October 7 2024, 06:03 AM  •  664 views
Gaza Family's Tragedy Captured in Award-Winning Photo Amid Ongoing Conflict

Gaza Family's Tragedy Captured in Award-Winning Photo Amid Ongoing Conflict

A Reuters photograph depicting a Palestinian woman mourning her niece has become a symbol of civilian suffering in Gaza. The image highlights the personal toll of the year-long conflict.

Society, Politics, Culture • October 7 2024, 05:27 AM  •  700 views
Hamas Negotiator Accuses Israel of Obstructing Ceasefire Talks in Gaza

Hamas Negotiator Accuses Israel of Obstructing Ceasefire Talks in Gaza

Hamas claims Israel is blocking ceasefire negotiations despite Hamas' flexibility. Both sides blame each other for failed talks as the conflict's one-year mark approaches, with massive casualties and displacement in Gaza.

Society, Politics • October 6 2024, 06:55 PM  •  1049 views
Netanyahu Rebuffs Macron's Call to Halt Arms to Gaza Amid Regional Tensions

Netanyahu Rebuffs Macron's Call to Halt Arms to Gaza Amid Regional Tensions

Israeli PM Netanyahu opposes French President Macron's suggestion to restrict arms shipments to Gaza. The leaders discuss regional stability as Israel intensifies operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Society, Politics • October 6 2024, 04:18 PM  •  1079 views
UN Refugee Chief Condemns Airstrikes in Lebanon, Citing IHL Violations

UN Refugee Chief Condemns Airstrikes in Lebanon, Citing IHL Violations

UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi criticizes airstrikes in Lebanon for violating international humanitarian law. Over 1.2 million people displaced as Israel expands operations against Hezbollah.

Society, Politics • October 6 2024, 04:12 PM  •  1026 views
Gaza's Rubble Mountain: A Year of Conflict Leaves Lasting Scars

Gaza's Rubble Mountain: A Year of Conflict Leaves Lasting Scars

After a year of intense conflict, Gaza faces unprecedented destruction with two-thirds of its buildings damaged or destroyed, resulting in 42 million tonnes of rubble and severe health risks.

Society, Economics, Politics • October 6 2024, 06:36 AM  •  3391 views
Gaza's Newborns: 20,000 Babies Born Amid War and Hardship

Gaza's Newborns: 20,000 Babies Born Amid War and Hardship

Amidst ongoing conflict, Gaza welcomes 20,000 newborns. Mothers face unprecedented challenges, grappling with guilt and inadequate resources as they struggle to care for their infants in war-torn conditions.

Society, Politics • October 5 2024, 01:16 PM  •  747 views
Israeli Strike on West Bank Refugee Camp Claims Palestinian Lives

Israeli Strike on West Bank Refugee Camp Claims Palestinian Lives

An Israeli military operation in the Tulkarm refugee camp results in Palestinian casualties. The incident occurs amid escalating violence in the West Bank following the onset of the Gaza conflict.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 08:15 PM  •  174 views
Gaza Conflict Overshadowed by Lebanon Crisis, Palestinians Fear

Gaza Conflict Overshadowed by Lebanon Crisis, Palestinians Fear

Palestinians in Gaza worry that escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are diverting global attention from their plight. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread displacement.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 07:23 PM  •  503 views
Israel-Hamas War: One Year On, Peace Remains Elusive

Israel-Hamas War: One Year On, Peace Remains Elusive

As the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its second year, prospects for peace seem distant. Regional tensions escalate, humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza, and political obstacles hinder resolution efforts.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 11:29 AM  •  2095 views
Hamas Militant Killed in Gaza Airstrike, Israel Reports Senior Officials' Deaths

Hamas Militant Killed in Gaza Airstrike, Israel Reports Senior Officials' Deaths

Israeli airstrike kills Hamas militant involved in 2000 lynching. Israel announces elimination of three senior Hamas officials. Gaza conflict continues with mounting casualties and displacement.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 10:32 AM  •  396 views
One Year After Hamas Attack: Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience

One Year After Hamas Attack: Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience

Eight individuals share their experiences of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, reflecting on loss, displacement, and hope for peace one year after the Hamas attack on Israel.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 10:23 AM  •  489 views
Qatar's Emir Condemns Middle East Crisis as "Collective Genocide"

Qatar's Emir Condemns Middle East Crisis as "Collective Genocide"

Qatar's Emir criticizes Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon, calling it "collective genocide". Israel objects to accusations as conflict continues, with recent ground incursion into Lebanon against Hezbollah.

Society, Politics • October 3 2024, 09:06 AM  •  316 views
UN Defends Guterres Amid Israel's Entry Ban, Citing Operational Necessity

UN Defends Guterres Amid Israel's Entry Ban, Citing Operational Necessity

UN responds to Israel's ban on Secretary-General Guterres, calling it a political statement. Despite tensions, UN stresses continued operational contact with Israel amid regional conflict escalation.

Society, Politics • October 2 2024, 08:55 PM  •  1080 views
New Customs Rule and Restrictions Hinder Gaza Aid Deliveries

New Customs Rule and Restrictions Hinder Gaza Aid Deliveries

Food supplies to Gaza plummet as Israel implements new customs regulations and limits commercial shipments. UN aid convoys from Jordan halted, raising concerns about worsening food insecurity for 2.3 million Gazans.

Society, Economics, Politics • October 2 2024, 02:04 PM  •  7086 views
UN Employee Killed in Israeli Strike Revealed as Hamas Commander

UN Employee Killed in Israeli Strike Revealed as Hamas Commander

A UNRWA employee, under investigation for political activities, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. The incident reignites debate over UN agency's hiring practices and Hamas infiltration.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 10:03 PM  •  33 views
UNRWA Chief Denies Knowledge of Employee's Hamas Ties Amid Controversy

UNRWA Chief Denies Knowledge of Employee's Hamas Ties Amid Controversy

UNRWA head refutes awareness of staff member's Hamas role, urges support against Israeli criticism. Recent events highlight ongoing tensions and challenges faced by the Palestinian refugee agency.

Society, Politics • September 30 2024, 10:01 PM  •  30 views
Netanyahu Defies US Cease-Fire Proposal in Fiery UN Address

Netanyahu Defies US Cease-Fire Proposal in Fiery UN Address

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a US-proposed cease-fire in Lebanon during his UN speech, vowing to continue military operations against Hezbollah. The address heightened tensions and drew international criticism.

Society, Politics • September 27 2024, 05:13 PM  •  1829 views
Netanyahu Addresses UN: Israel's Struggle Against 'Savage Enemies'

Netanyahu Addresses UN: Israel's Struggle Against 'Savage Enemies'

Israeli PM Netanyahu speaks at UN, defends Israel's actions against multiple threats. Rejects ceasefire calls, blames Iran for regional tensions, and sets conditions for ending Gaza conflict.

Society, Politics • September 27 2024, 02:21 PM  •  359 views
Netanyahu Defends Israel's Actions at UN Amid Ongoing Conflicts

Netanyahu Defends Israel's Actions at UN Amid Ongoing Conflicts

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, defending his nation's military operations and accusing other leaders of spreading misinformation about Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

Society, Politics • September 27 2024, 02:07 PM  •  472 views
US Charity Worker Fatally Shot in Gaza Amid Rising Instability

US Charity Worker Fatally Shot in Gaza Amid Rising Instability

An aid worker from a US-based charity was killed in Gaza, highlighting the growing chaos in the region. The incident, described as mistaken identity, underscores the challenges faced by humanitarian workers in the conflict-ridden area.

Society, Politics • September 27 2024, 12:06 PM  •  392 views
Saudi Arabia Spearheads Global Initiative for Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Saudi Arabia Spearheads Global Initiative for Israeli-Palestinian Peace

Saudi Arabia forms international alliance to promote two-state solution for Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Initiative aims to break cycle of violence and foster regional security, amid ongoing Gaza war.

Society, Politics • September 27 2024, 11:59 AM  •  216 views
Netanyahu Faces Global Criticism at UN Amid Escalating Conflicts

Netanyahu Faces Global Criticism at UN Amid Escalating Conflicts

Israeli PM addresses UN as tensions rise in Gaza and Lebanon. World leaders call for cease-fire and adherence to international law, highlighting urgent need for peace in the region.

Society, Politics • September 27 2024, 11:32 AM  •  87 views
Abbas Pleads for Gaza War's End at UN, Israel Criticizes Response

Abbas Pleads for Gaza War's End at UN, Israel Criticizes Response

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the UN to halt the Gaza conflict, calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. Israel's UN ambassador criticized Abbas for not condemning the initial Hamas attack.

Society, Politics • September 27 2024, 10:38 AM  •  29 views