The decline in services provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza due to Israeli actions has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, as other organizations have failed to meet the basic needs of the population. The Daour family, which has relied on UNRWA for decades, is experiencing a severe shortage of food aid and healthcare.
Issam Daour, a Gaza resident, points out that his family has benefited from the food and educational assistance provided by UNRWA since its establishment. As the war escalated, their needs increased, but they were shocked by a significant decline in the services offered, which intensified their suffering.
Details of the Situation
Since March 2025, Israel has prevented UNRWA from delivering aid to Gaza, leading to increased reliance on other international organizations such as the World Food Programme and UNICEF. However, these organizations have been unable to fill the gap left by UNRWA, resulting in worsening living conditions.
The Daour family faces daily challenges in securing their basic needs, especially with the decline in healthcare services. Mervat, Issam's wife, suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure and relied on UNRWA for treatment. However, with the reduction in services, she has lost access to necessary medications and check-ups.
Background & Context
UNRWA was established in 1949 to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees, managing hundreds of schools and offering education services to approximately 300,000 students. With the outbreak of war, the educational process has halted, leaving children out of school.
Ahmed Salem, a Palestinian, notes that UNRWA relied on an organized system for distributing aid, while other institutions provide sporadic and insufficient assistance. This decline in services has significantly impacted the lives of the residents, with poverty and unemployment rates rising sharply.
Impact & Consequences
Indicators show that nearly 95% of Palestinian families now depend on aid, compared to 60% before the war. This shift reflects the depth of the economic and social crisis facing Gaza, where purchasing power has deteriorated significantly.
Economic expert Ahmed Abu Qamar confirms that the absence of UNRWA affects all aspects of life in Gaza, as the agency was a primary source of cash liquidity. With its diminishing role, the community has become almost entirely reliant on aid, further exacerbating living conditions.
Regional Significance
The impact of UNRWA's absence is not limited to Gaza; it extends to the entire Arab region, reflecting the dire humanitarian conditions faced by Palestinians. The recurring crises in Gaza raise concerns within the international community, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable humanitarian support.
In conclusion, UNRWA remains the primary entity providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees, and the international community must pressure Israel to ensure the resumption of its services. The absence of UNRWA leaves a significant void in humanitarian aid, necessitating an urgent response from all stakeholders involved.