Board of Peace Excludes UNRWA From Gaza Reconstruction
The Board of Peace, a U.S.‑led body overseeing Gaza’s ceasefire and reconstruction, declared that UNRWA will not participate in the Strip’s rebuilding plans. The move aligns with Israel’s demand to remove the agency, prompting rebuke from Hamas and UNRWA leaders. The decision comes amid stalled cea…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The United States‑led Board of Peace (BoP) announced on Friday that the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, will have no role in Gaza’s reconstruction. The statement, released on the board’s X account, said the BoP would work only with partners it considers reliable and capable of meeting Gaza’s needs, a standard it says UNRWA does not meet.
Board of Peace’s Rationale
The BoP, created by President Donald Trump earlier this year, was tasked with overseeing the ceasefire that took effect a year ago and guiding the Strip’s rebuilding. At a briefing on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the board unveiled a 66‑project reconstruction blueprint with a proposed $2.4 billion budget. UNRWA was omitted from the list of agencies the board named as partners.
In a post on X, the BoP reiterated that its policy toward UNRWA remains unchanged: "We will only work with trusted partners who will deliver for the people of Gaza and contribute to a deradicalised Strip. UNRWA fails on those litmus tests." A board official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, said that while board members had met with UNRWA officials several times, the agency’s programs could continue only if they served Gaza’s residents well. The official maintained that "UNRWA’s days are over."
UNRWA’s Response
UNRWA’s acting Commissioner‑General Christian Saunders issued a statement from Gaza, describing the agency as having "considerable humanitarian and strategic value" and warning that ignoring its capabilities at a time of profound need would be "neither logical nor responsible." Former UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, who led the agency until early this year, cautioned that removing UNRWA could have a "devastating" effect on Palestinians. In a separate X post, Lazzarini said that the board’s grandiose plans would not keep Gaza’s residents warm this winter and urged that crossings into Gaza be opened and supplies allowed in at scale.
Hamas Accuses the Board of Aligning With Israel
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned the BoP’s decision, calling it "a complete alignment with the Zionist [Israeli] position" and accusing the board of aiming to end UNRWA’s operations, block aid delivery, and undermine the right of return. Qassem added that it was "strange" for the Peace Council to adopt a hostile stance toward UNRWA while failing to provide aid or enforce the ceasefire. The statement came amid continued Israeli attacks in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, with Israeli forces killing seven Palestinians in Gaza over a 48‑hour period and conducting raids in Ramallah, Tulkarem, and Bethlehem.
Context: UNRWA’s Role and Israeli Concerns
UNRWA was established in 1949 to support Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab‑Israeli war. The agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, providing healthcare, education, water, and sanitation to roughly 11,000 Palestinian employees in Gaza alone. Palestinians view UNRWA as a safeguard for their right of return, while Israel has long sought to dismantle the agency, citing allegations of infiltration by Hamas. An advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice in October found no evidence that a significant portion of UNRWA staff were members of Hamas or other terrorist groups.
Implications for Gaza’s Reconstruction
The BoP’s exclusion of UNRWA raises questions about how essential services will be delivered during the rebuilding phase. UNRWA’s experience in delivering aid under blockade conditions is significant, and its removal could strain already limited resources. Critics argue that sidelining a proven humanitarian actor may exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, especially as Gaza faces severe restrictions on aid and stalled reconstruction plans. The board’s decision also signals a potential shift in international support structures, possibly favoring private or non‑UN partners that align more closely with Israeli security concerns.
What Happens Next?
UNRWA officials have expressed willingness to continue programmes if they prove effective for Gaza’s residents, but the board’s public stance suggests limited future collaboration. Hamas and Palestinian technocratic committee members reportedly want to work with UNRWA, indicating internal disagreements within the Gaza governance structure. The board’s next steps remain unclear, but the decision may influence the pace and scope of reconstruction projects, the allocation of aid, and the broader ceasefire enforcement. As the situation evolves, stakeholders will watch whether the board revises its position or if alternative partners step in to fill the void left by UNRWA.
Key facts
- Board of Peace excludes UNRWA from Gaza reconstruction plans
- UNRWA’s removal aligns with Israel’s long‑standing demand to dismantle the agency
- Hamas and UNRWA leaders criticize the decision as hostile and potentially devastating
- UNRWA has historically provided essential services to Palestinians in Gaza and beyond
- The move may strain aid delivery and complicate ceasefire enforcement
- Stakeholders remain uncertain about future collaboration and reconstruction timelines
Why it matters
The Board of Peace’s decision to exclude UNRWA could significantly alter the flow of humanitarian aid and the pace of reconstruction in Gaza, affecting millions of Palestinians and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Board of Peace?
A U.S.-led body established to oversee the ceasefire and reconstruction of Gaza.
Why does Israel want UNRWA removed?
Israel alleges the agency is infiltrated by Hamas and seeks to dismantle it to weaken Palestinian support structures.
How many people does UNRWA serve in Gaza?
Approximately 11,000 staff and millions of Palestinian refugees and residents.
Will UNRWA still provide aid?
UNRWA officials say they can continue if programmes serve Gaza’s residents well, but the board’s stance limits collaboration.
What are the next steps for Gaza’s reconstruction?
The board’s plans remain under review; alternative partners may be sought to fill the gap left by UNRWA.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com
- [2] aljazeera.com
