UNITED NATIONS AGENCY FOR PALESTINIAN REFUGEES (UNRWA)
UNRWA, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East, was established in 1949 to support Palestinians displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
- Operating in Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, UNRWA delivers education, healthcare, relief, social services, microfinance, and emergency assistance programs, particularly within refugee camps.
- Currently serving approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, most of whom are descendants of the original refugees, UNRWA's services are critical, especially in Gaza, where a significant portion of the population relies on UNRWA facilities.
- Primarily reliant on voluntary contributions from donor states like the US, UNRWA also receives a limited subsidy from the UN for administrative costs.
UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees, contributing to stability and humanitarian support in the region.
- The subtleties of the allegations are sparse. Israel has claimed that 12 staff individuals from UNRWA were associated with the October 7 assault.
- It has likewise guaranteed that Hamas redirects reserves given to UNRWA and battles from in and around the organization's offices.
- Israel has affirmed that "Hamas burrows (are) running close to or under UNRWA
offices and blames the organization for showing scorn of Israel in its schools," AP
announced.
- The UNRWA has denied every one of the claims, saying it has no connections to Hamas. In the proclamation, UN authorities expressed out of 12 staff individuals who were blamed for being engaged with the assault, nine have been ended. One is affirmed dead and the personality of the two others is being explained.
- Any UN worker associated with demonstrations of fear will considered responsible, incorporated through criminal arraignment.
- The claims against the office are a "planned political assault" by Israel. " The Israelis have
said they can't win the conflict in Gaza except if UNRWA is disbanded.
With UNRWA facing a severe funding crisis, immediate steps must be taken to ensure the continuation of vital humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
- The conflict has plunged Gaza into a dire humanitarian situation, where basic necessities like food, water, and shelter are scarce. UNRWA plays a crucial role in providing essential aid to the civilian population, making its continued operations vital for the survival of thousands.
- As the primary provider of food, water, and shelter in Gaza, UNRWA's services are indispensable for the well-being of the enclave's residents. Without adequate funding, the agency's ability to deliver essential aid would be severely compromised.
- UNRWA is on the brink of a financial collapse, with funds dwindling rapidly. Without immediate intervention, the agency will be unable to sustain its aid efforts, exacerbating the suffering of the people in Gaza.
- Urgent measures are needed to restore funding to UNRWA and ensure the continuation of its vital humanitarian operations in Gaza. International support and solidarity are crucial in addressing the funding shortfall and averting a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
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For Prelims: United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, Hamas, Gaza, Arab-Israeli war, Israel
For Mains:
1. The conflict between Israel and Palestine has a long and troubled history. How can the international community play a more constructive role in facilitating a lasting peace agreement? Discuss the potential impact of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza on regional security. (250 Words)
2. The UNRWA funding crisis raises ethical concerns about the politicization of humanitarian aid. What are the ethical obligations of member states towards refugees living in conflict zones? Discuss the principles that should guide international responses to humanitarian crises. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2016) Community sometimes In the affairs of mentioned in the news 1. Kurd — Bangladesh
2. Madhesi — Nepal
3. Rohingya — Myanmar
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only
2. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021) 1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
3. A foreigner once granted the citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 D. 2 and 3
3. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022) 1. Bidibidi is a large refugee settlement in north-western Kenya. 2. Some people who fled from South Sudan civil war live in Bidibidi. 3. Some people who fled from civil war in Somalia live in Dadaab refugee complex in Kenya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 D. 3 only
4. Which one of the following statements regarding the Human Rights Council is not correct? (CDS GK 2018)
A.It is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of all members of the UN.
B.It is responsible for the promotion and protection of all human nights around the globe.
C.It replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
D.It is made up of 47 UN Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly.
Answers:1-C, 2- A, 3-C, 4-A
1. How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. (UPSC 2014) |
