Relief chief in Israel and Palestine: ‘We must be practical, innovative and persistent’
Date: 2025-02-03 12:00
Source: UNRWA
By: Thomas White, Director of UNRWA Operations in the West Bank
The conflict in Israel and Palestine has been ongoing for decades, and the humanitarian needs of the people affected are immense. UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, provides essential services such as education, healthcare, relief and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees.
Thomas White, Director of UNRWA Operations in the West Bank, recently spoke about the challenges of providing humanitarian assistance in such a complex and volatile environment.
“The situation in Israel and Palestine is incredibly challenging,” said White. “The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Palestinian refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the region, and they rely on UNRWA for their survival.”
UNRWA provides a lifeline to Palestinian refugees, but the agency is facing its own challenges. The Trump administration has cut funding to UNRWA, and the agency is now facing a $200 million budget deficit. This has forced UNRWA to make cuts to its services, which has had a devastating impact on the refugees who rely on them.
Despite the challenges, White said that UNRWA is committed to continuing its work in Israel and Palestine.
“We must be practical, innovative and persistent,” said White. “We must find new ways to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees, and we must continue to advocate for their rights.”
UNRWA is a vital organization that provides essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees. The agency is facing challenges, but it is committed to continuing its work. The international community must support UNRWA and ensure that it has the resources it needs to continue its vital work.
Here are some specific examples of the challenges that UNRWA faces in Israel and Palestine:
- Funding: The Trump administration has cut funding to UNRWA, and the agency is now facing a $200 million budget deficit. This has forced UNRWA to make cuts to its services, which has had a devastating impact on the refugees who rely on them.
- Access: UNRWA staff often face difficulty accessing Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This is due to Israeli restrictions on movement, which can make it difficult for UNRWA to provide essential services to the refugees who live in these camps.
- Security: The conflict in Israel and Palestine is often dangerous for UNRWA staff. In recent years, UNRWA staff have been killed and injured while carrying out their work.
Despite these challenges, UNRWA is committed to continuing its work in Israel and Palestine. The agency is providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees, and it is playing a vital role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Relief chief in Israel and Palestine: ‘We must be practical, innovative and persistent’
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