Anxiety and Anticipation in West Bank Camps Following UNRWA Ban
A wave of anxiety and uncertainty has swept through Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank following the recent decision by the Israeli Knesset to ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This legislation, passed on October 28, 2023, has left many beneficiaries fearing for their access to essential services, including healthcare and education.
The ban, which was officially communicated to the United Nations on November 4, has raised concerns among the approximately 828,000 Palestinian refugees residing in the West Bank. Many depend on UNRWA for vital services, and the potential cessation of these services could have disastrous consequences for their livelihoods. Abdul Aziz Abu Rahma, a refugee who relies on UNRWA for his monthly supply of seven types of medication, expressed deep concern, stating, "Closing it is a disaster and will harm us. We all depend on it."
The Impact on Education and Healthcare
The implications of the ban extend beyond healthcare. Fayez Abu Muqaddam, a parent of academically successful children attending an UNRWA school, voiced his fears about their educational future. He reminisced about his involvement in constructing the school and highlighted the quality of education provided by UNRWA, which he believes is irreplaceable. "It is a disastrous decision," he lamented, emphasizing the importance of the agency's educational services.
UNRWA has already been facing challenges, including reduced services in recent years. Afif Ghattasha, head of the Popular Committee in Al-Fawar camp, noted that the agency's current policy limits employment to temporary staff and has halted the construction of new facilities. The fear is that the ban will exacerbate these issues, leading to a complete halt of services that many refugees rely on for their survival.
UNRWA's Role and Future Concerns
Established in 1949, UNRWA was created to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees through various services, including education and healthcare. Currently, the agency operates 96 schools and 43 health centers in the West Bank, serving hundreds of thousands of refugees. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned that the agency's potential collapse poses a significant threat to the stability of the region and the futures of countless individuals. He stated, "The legislation passed by the Knesset is a terrible blow to our employees, with 17,000 employees in the occupied Palestinian territory fearing they will lose their jobs."
As the situation develops, the future of UNRWA and the well-being of Palestinian refugees remain uncertain, with many calling for international support to uphold the agency's vital services.
