History of UNRWA in Timeline
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a UN agency providing relief and human development support to Palestinian refugees. These refugees include those displaced during the 1948 Palestine War and subsequent conflicts, along with their descendants. As of 2019, over 5.6 million Palestinians are registered refugees with UNRWA.
June 1946: Start of Period for Defining Palestine Refugees
June 1946 marked the beginning of the period considered when defining Palestine refugees, who are those who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict.
May 1948: End of Period for Defining Palestine Refugees
May 1948 marked the end of the period considered when defining Palestine refugees, who are those who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict.
November 1948: Establishment of UN Relief for Palestine Refugees (UNRPR)
The UN General Assembly passed Resolution 212 (III) on November 19, 1948, leading to the creation of the UN Relief for Palestine Refugees (UNRPR) to provide emergency relief to Palestinian refugees.
1948: UNRWA's Mandate and Palestinian Refugee Status
Established in 1948, UNRWA's mandate focuses on providing relief to Palestinian refugees who fled their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Unlike the UNHCR, which aims to resettle refugees, UNRWA's policy defines Palestinian refugees and their descendants as refugees until a political solution is reached, without dictating the terms of such a solution.
1948: UNRWA's Initial Relief Efforts
Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, UNRWA provided relief to both Jewish and Arab refugees within the newly formed State of Israel.
1948: The Nakba and the Displacement of Palestinians
In 1948, during the events surrounding the creation of the state of Israel, which Palestinians call the Nakba ("catastrophe"), a large number of Palestinians were displaced from their homes.
December 1949: UNRWA Replaces UNRPR
The UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 302(IV) on December 8, 1949, establishing UNRWA, which succeeded UNRPR with an expanded mandate for humanitarian aid and development.
1949: Establishment of UNRWA
In response to the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 conflict, the UN General Assembly established UNRWA to provide relief and support to the refugees.
1949: UNRWA established
UNRWA was established in 1949 with a mandate to provide social and humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees.
December 1950: UNRWA Mandate Expanded to Include Reintegration
Resolution 393(V) in December 1950 expanded UNRWA's mandate to include establishing a reintegration fund for the permanent resettlement of refugees.
1950: UNRWA becomes main provider of basic education for Palestinian refugee children
Since 1950, UNRWA has been the primary provider of basic education for Palestinian refugee children.
1950: Establishment of UNHCR
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 to provide aid and assistance to refugees worldwide, except for Palestinian refugees who fell under UNRWA's mandate.
1950: UNRWA becomes primary healthcare provider for Palestinian refugees
UNRWA became the primary healthcare provider for Palestinian refugees in 1950.
1950: UNRWA commences operations
UNRWA started its operations in 1950, initially serving approximately 700,000 Palestinian refugees.
January 1952: Increased Focus on Reintegration and Continued Support
A resolution passed in January 1952 allocated more funding to reintegration efforts than relief, while instructing UNRWA to continue providing essential services like healthcare, education, and general welfare.
1952: Israeli Government Assumes Responsibility for Jewish Refugees
In 1952, the Israeli government took over the responsibility of providing relief and support to Jewish refugees, ending UNRWA's role in assisting them.
1967: Analysis of New Palestinian Textbooks
Nathan Brown's analysis of the new PA textbooks from 2000 revealed significant changes. The new books removed anti-Semitic content, presented history from a Palestinian perspective without denying Israel's existence, and acknowledged the West Bank and Gaza as parts of a unified homeland. While acknowledging some limitations, Brown concluded that the new books represented a substantial improvement and were comparable to Israeli textbooks.
1967: Six-Day War and New Wave of Refugees
The Six-Day War in 1967 displaced a new wave of Palestinian refugees, posing a challenge to UNRWA's existing definition of refugees.
1973: Japan joins UNRWA's AdCom
Japan became a member of UNRWA's AdCom in 1973.
1991: Inclusion of 1967 Refugees in UNRWA Mandate
Since 1991, the UN General Assembly has passed annual resolutions allowing for the inclusion of Palestinian refugees displaced in 1967 and subsequent conflicts within UNRWA's mandate.
1991: UNRWA establishes Microfinance Department
UNRWA established its Microfinance Department in 1991 to provide financial services to Palestinian refugees and underprivileged communities near them.
1994: Changes in Palestinian Textbooks
Starting in 1994, Palestinian textbooks underwent notable changes.
1996: Peter Hansen Becomes UNRWA Commissioner-General
Peter Hansen was appointed UNRWA Commissioner-General in 1996, a position he held until 2005.
1998: Research on Palestinian Textbooks
In 1998, the Centre for Monitoring the Impact of Peace conducted research on Palestinian textbooks, which was later deemed misleading due to its evaluation of outdated materials.
2000: Criticism of Textbook Research Methodology
In 2000, the methodology used in the Centre for Monitoring the Impact of Peace's research on Palestinian textbooks was criticized for mixing old and new books.
2000: Palestinian Authority Introduces New Textbooks
The Palestinian Authority (PA) began issuing its own textbooks in 2000, replacing those previously used from Jordan and Egypt. This marked a significant step in shaping the Palestinian education system.
2000: UNRWA Implements Human Rights Education
UNRWA began incorporating human rights education into its schools' curriculum, aiming to promote non-violence, conflict resolution, and tolerance.
2000: UNRWA Operations Impacted by Al-Aqsa Intifada
UNRWA's operations were hampered by road closures, curfews, and checkpoints imposed by Israel during the Al-Aqsa Intifada, which began in late 2000. The agency also criticized the large-scale house demolitions in Gaza that displaced thousands.
November 2002: UNRWA Employee Killed by IDF Sniper
In November 2002, Iain Hook, a British UNRWA employee, was shot and killed by an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) sniper in the Jenin refugee camp. UNRWA head Peter Hansen condemned the killing, alleging that the snipers would have known Hook's identity.
2002: US Congress Requests Textbook Review
In 2002, the United States Congress requested that the US Department of State commission a review of the new Palestinian curriculum by a reputable NGO.
March 2003: IPCRI Completes Palestinian Textbook Review
In March 2003, the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI) completed its review of the Palestinian Authority's textbooks, commissioned by the US Embassy in Tel Aviv and the US Consul General in Jerusalem. The report concluded that the curriculum was generally peaceful and did not incite hatred or violence.
2003: Israeli Intelligence Report Alleges Hamas Using UNRWA Operations as Cover
In 2003, Israel released an intelligence report, based on interrogations of suspected militants, alleging that Hamas was using UNRWA operations as a cover for militant activities. The report claimed militants smuggled arms in UN ambulances and held meetings in UN buildings.
May 2004: IDF Releases Video of Armed Militants Using UNRWA Ambulance
In May 2004, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a video appearing to show armed Palestinian militants carrying an injured comrade into an UNRWA ambulance. The ambulance driver reportedly protested but was threatened and forced to drive to a hospital. UNRWA responded by calling on all parties to respect the neutrality of its ambulances.
June 2004: IPCRI Follow-up Report on Palestinian Textbooks
In June 2004, IPCRI released a follow-up report on Palestinian textbooks, noting that they did not promote hatred towards Israel, Judaism, or Zionism, except for calls to resist occupation. The report highlighted the promotion of tolerance, universal values, and respect for other cultures and religions in the textbooks.
October 2004: Peter Hansen Sparks Controversy with CBC Interview
In October 2004, Peter Hansen, then UNRWA's Commissioner-General, sparked controversy in Canada during a CBC TV interview with his remarks.
2004: Criticism Regarding UNRWA's Age and Adaptability
In 2004, researchers Emanuel Marx and Nitza Nachmias suggested that some criticisms directed at UNRWA stemmed from its long existence. They pointed to potential issues like inflexibility, resistance to adapt to changing political landscapes, and a reluctance to transfer responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority.
2004: US Investigates UNRWA Funding Following Allegations
In 2004, the US Congress tasked the General Accounting Office (GAO) with investigating claims that UNRWA misused government funding to support individuals linked to militant activities, leading to the discovery of irregularities.
March 2005: Peter Hansen Forced into Retirement from UN
Following the controversy surrounding his remarks, Peter Hansen was forced into early retirement from the United Nations on March 31, 2005, after the United States blocked his reappointment.
2005: Several countries join UNRWA's AdCom
In 2005, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland joined UNRWA's AdCom as members.
2005: Palestine, the European Union, and the League of Arab States granted observer status in UNRWA's Advisory Commission
In 2005, Palestine, the European Union, and the League of Arab States were granted observer status on UNRWA's Advisory Commission (AdCom).
2005: Karen Koning AbuZayd's Tenure as UNRWA Commissioner-General Ends
Karen Koning AbuZayd served as UNRWA Commissioner-General from 2005 to 2009.
2005: Review of Palestinian Textbooks
Nathan Brown, a Professor of Political Science at George Washington University, conducted a comprehensive review of Palestinian textbooks in 2005, focusing on the changes implemented since 1994.
2005: Peter Hansen's Tenure as UNRWA Commissioner-General Ends
Peter Hansen's term as UNRWA Commissioner-General concluded in 2005, after facing criticism from the Israeli government for alleged anti-Israel bias.
2006: Revision of Textbooks by PA Ministry of Education
In 2006, The PA Ministry of Education and Higher Education revised the textbooks.
2006: US Congressmen Criticize UNRWA's Management and Funding
In 2006, US Congressmen Mark Kirk and Steven Rothman criticized UNRWA's management, policies, and financial oversight in a letter to then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. They called for improvements in financial controls and adherence to US laws prohibiting funding to terrorist organizations. UNRWA responded by defending its performance, highlighting the achievements of its students and the challenging conditions under which it operates.
2007: Israel's Continued Support for UNRWA's Humanitarian Mission
Despite some reservations about potential politicization within the agency, Israel in 2007 maintained its support for UNRWA, acknowledging the agency's crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.
2007: International Praise for UNRWA
In 2007, UNRWA received support from various entities, including Nobel Peace laureates and representatives from multiple countries like Norway and Iceland. They praised its role as a "safety net" for Palestinian refugees, delivering vital aid and services, particularly in challenging circumstances.
2007: Nahr el-Bared refugee camp destroyed in conflict
The Nahr el-Bared refugee camp in Lebanon was destroyed during fighting between the Lebanese Armed Forces and Fatah al-Islam in 2007.
2007: UNRWA Launches Reform Program
UNRWA initiated a reform program in 2007 aimed at improving the agency's overall efficiency. This initiative aimed to streamline operations and enhance the delivery of services to Palestinian refugees.
2008: Finland and Ireland join UNRWA's AdCom
Finland and Ireland joined UNRWA's AdCom in 2008.
2008: UNRWA Denies Allegations of Militant Use of Installations During 2008-2009 Gaza War
UNRWA consistently refuted accusations, some of which were later retracted by media outlets, that militants used its installations during the 2008-2009 Gaza War. Notably, in 2012, a popular Israeli TV channel issued retractions and apologies for broadcasting such allegations.
January 2009: IDF Shelling Near UNRWA School in Jabalya Kills Dozens
On January 7, 2009, during the Gaza War, UNRWA officials claimed the IDF shelled an area near one of its schools in Jabalya, Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over forty people. The IDF initially stated it was responding to an attack by Hamas militants at the school but later acknowledged that an errant shell struck the area outside the school.
February 2009: UNRWA Temporarily Halts Aid to Gaza After Accusing Hamas of Theft
In February 2009, UNRWA temporarily halted aid shipments to the Gaza Strip, accusing Hamas of breaking into a UN warehouse and stealing supplies intended for families in need. Aid delivery resumed a few days later after the missing supplies were returned.
March 2009: Hamas Wins UNRWA Teachers Union Election in Gaza
The Jerusalem Post reported that Hamas won a teachers union election for UN schools in Gaza in March 2009. UNRWA denied the allegations of Hamas influence, stating that elections are conducted on an individual basis and employees should not be politically influenced.
August 2009: Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Hamas Confiscation of UNRWA Ambulances
In August 2009, the IDF accused Hamas of seizing three UNRWA ambulances. UNRWA initially denied the claim, but Hamas later confirmed confiscating the vehicles due to bureaucratic issues. UNRWA then confirmed the confiscation but later retracted the admission and denied the incident.
2009: Recommendations for UNRWA Improvement
Following his 2009 analyses for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (WINEP), former UNRWA general-counsel James G. Lindsay, along with a fellow researcher, proposed suggestions to improve UNRWA's operations.
2009: Hamas Interference with UNRWA Curriculum
In 2009, Hamas allegedly interfered with UNRWA's curriculum by causing the suspension of a decision to introduce Holocaust studies in UNRWA schools.
2009: US State Department Report on Palestinian Textbooks
In its 2009 Human Rights report, the US Department of State noted that while the 2006 revision of Palestinian textbooks did not incite violence against Jews, they exhibited imbalance, bias, and inaccuracy.
2009: James G. Lindsay Criticizes UNRWA Practices
James G. Lindsay, a former UNRWA general counsel, published a report in 2009 criticizing UNRWA's practices, including its alleged failure to remove terrorists from its ranks.
2009: Criticism of UNRWA's Resettlement Practices
James G. Lindsay, a former UNRWA general counsel, published a report in 2009 criticizing the agency's approach to refugee resettlement. Lindsay argued that UNRWA's failure to resettle refugees, unlike the UNHCR, was a political decision favoring the Palestinian right of return to what is now Israel. UNRWA countered by stating its lack of a mandate for resettlement from the UN General Assembly.
2009: James G. Lindsay Publishes Critical Report on UNRWA
James G. Lindsay, a former UNRWA general counsel, released a report in 2009 criticizing UNRWA's practices, including the alleged presence of terrorists within its ranks.
2009: Karen Koning AbuZayd's Tenure as UNRWA Commissioner-General Ends
Karen Koning AbuZayd's term as UNRWA Commissioner-General ended in 2009.
2009: UNRWA Denies Allegations of Militant Use of Installations During 2008-2009 Gaza War
UNRWA consistently refuted accusations, some of which were later retracted by media outlets, that militants used its installations during the 2008-2009 Gaza War. Notably, in 2012, a popular Israeli TV channel issued retractions and apologies for broadcasting such allegations.
2009: UNRWA begins reconstruction of Nahr el-Bared refugee camp
UNRWA initiated its largest reconstruction project ever in 2009 at the Nahr el-Bared Palestine refugee camp in Lebanon, which was destroyed during the 2007 conflict between the Lebanese Armed Forces and Fatah al-Islam.
2009: UNRWA faces "dire financial crisis"
UNRWA officials announced a "dire financial crisis" in 2009, including a funding gap of $200 million, following the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
January 2010: Canada Redirects UNRWA Funding
In January 2010, Canada decided to redirect its annual $10 million (Canadian) funding for UNRWA to projects within the Palestinian Authority, citing concerns about accountability and democracy.
October 2010: Canada's Failed UN Security Council Bid
Canada's decision to redirect UNRWA funding was suggested as a factor in its unsuccessful bid for a seat on the UN Security Council in October 2010.
2010: Kuwait joins UNRWA's AdCom
Kuwait became a member of UNRWA's AdCom in 2010.
April 2011: Call for UNRWA's Dissolution
In April 2011, an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal Europe by Asaf Romirowsky and Alexander H. Joffe argued for the dissolution of UNRWA. They contended that the agency had not effectively fostered Palestinian civil society and advocated for Palestinians to take responsibility for building their own society.
September 2011: UNRWA Adopts Single-Sex Summer Camps Following Pressure from Hamas
In September 2011, UNRWA made all its summer camps single-sex due to pressure from Hamas.
2011: UNRWA Undergoes MOPAN Assessment
In 2011, UNRWA agreed to an assessment by MOPAN, a network evaluating the effectiveness of multilateral organizations. UNRWA received positive feedback, particularly in strategic management, demonstrating its competency in key areas.
2011: UNRWA introduces Family Health Team approach
UNRWA introduced the Family Health Team (FHT) approach in its primary healthcare facilities in 2011 to address the evolving needs of Palestinian refugees.
April 2012: Call for Support for UNRWA Amidst Criticism
In April 2012, Karen Koning AbuZayd, former UNRWA Commissioner-General, argued in the Middle East Monitor that UNRWA, while facing criticism, needed support and highlighted the importance of its work.
May 2012: UNRWA Endorses HRCRT Policy
In May 2012, UNRWA adopted the Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Tolerance (HRCRT) Policy to strengthen human rights education in its schools, building upon past efforts and incorporating international best practices.
2012: Gaza and West Bank receive high per capita aid budget
In 2012, Gaza and the West Bank received a per capita aid budget that was more than double the next highest recipient, at $495, according to the World Bank.
2012: Israeli Media Outlet Issues Retractions and Apologies for False Allegations Against UNRWA
In 2012, following the 2008-2009 Gaza War, a prominent Israeli TV network issued retractions and apologies for broadcasting allegations that militants used UNRWA installations during the conflict. This highlighted the spread of misinformation and UNRWA's rejections of such claims.
2012: Hamas-Affiliated List Wins UNRWA Staff Union Election
In 2012, the Hamas-affiliated "Professional List", led by alleged Hamas activist Suheil Al-Hind, won a Staff Union election in UNRWA with high voter turnout.
2012: Luxembourg joins UNRWA's AdCom
Luxembourg joined UNRWA's AdCom in 2012.
2012: UNRWA Cancels Summer Camps in Gaza Due to Funding Shortages, Allowing Hamas to Expand Influence
UNRWA was forced to cancel its summer camps in Gaza in 2012 and 2014 because of funding shortages. This allowed Hamas to fill the void, becoming the primary provider of summer activities for a large number of children and youth.
2012: UNRWA funding at its lowest point since this year
UNRWA's funding was at its lowest point in 2012 until July 2020.
April 2013: Palestinian Journalist Highlights UNRWA-Hamas Tension
Palestinian journalist Hazem Balousha summarized years of tension between UNRWA and Hamas in April 2013.
August 2013: UNRWA Accuses Israel of Killing Staff Member
In August 2013, UNRWA released a statement accusing Israeli forces of fatally shooting a 34-year-old UNRWA staff member and injuring another during a raid in the Kalandia refugee camp. The incident sparked controversy and raised concerns about the safety of UNRWA personnel operating in conflict zones.
2013: Comparative Study of Israeli and Palestinian Textbooks
A rigorous study comparing Israeli and Palestinian textbooks, launched by the Council for Religious Institutions in the Holy Land and funded by the US State Department, was published in 2013 under the title "Victims of Our Own Narratives? Portrayal of the 'Other' in Israeli and Palestinian School Books.
2013: Hamas and Islamic Jihad Establish Competing Summer Camps in Gaza
By 2013, both Hamas and Islamic Jihad were running their own summer camps in Gaza, with the organizations seen as competing with UNRWA for influence over Gazan youth.
2013: Hamas Militants Target UNRWA Mixed-Gender Camps and Enforce Gender Segregation in Gaza Schools
In 2013, Hamas militants firebombed UNRWA's mixed-gender summer camps. Additionally, Hamas passed a law enforcing gender segregation in Gaza schools for students aged nine and older, though this law did not apply to UNRWA schools.
2013: Video Surfaces of UNRWA-Funded Summer Camp Promoting Violence Against Israelis
In 2013, Israeli media aired a video showing activities at an UNRWA-funded summer camp where children were allegedly being taught to engage in violence against Israelis. The video included footage of speakers promoting war and students describing the camp's message of liberating Palestine.
2013: Allegations of Hamas Control over UNRWA Workers Union
In 2013, Lt. Col. (ret.) Jonathan Dahoah-Halevi, a senior researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, claimed that the UNRWA workers union had been effectively controlled by Hamas for many years.
2013: UNRWA Cancels Marathon in Gaza After Hamas Bans Women's Participation
In 2013, UNRWA canceled its planned marathon in Gaza after Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, prohibited women from participating.
2013: Kazakhstan joins UNRWA's AdCom
Kazakhstan joined UNRWA's AdCom in 2013.
February 2014: Hamas Criticizes UNRWA's Human Rights Curriculum
In February 2014, Elhanen Miller, a reporter for The Times of Israel, wrote that Hamas criticized UNRWA's human rights curriculum for including values deemed foreign to Palestinian culture and emphasizing peaceful resistance over armed resistance. UNRWA, however, did not alter its curriculum.
March 2014: UNRWA Reform Initiative Announced
The Center for Near East Policy Research announced an initiative to reform UNRWA in March 2014.
July 2014: Israel's Complex Relationship with UNRWA
In July 2014, during the Gaza conflict, David Horovits wrote in the Times of Israel about Israel's complex relationship with UNRWA, acknowledging its importance while also having complaints, highlighting the reliance of displaced Palestinians on UNRWA for support.
August 2014: Claims of UNRWA Facility Use by Hamas
In August 2014, Jonathan Schanzer, at a Foundation for Defense of Democracies event, claimed that there was a booby-trapped tunnel under an UNRWA facility, adding to accusations of UNRWA complicity with Hamas.
September 2014: Allegations of UNRWA Complicity with Hamas
During a US House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing in September 2014, Jonathan Schanzer accused UNRWA of allowing Hamas to build tunnels under its facilities. Similar claims, including a debunked allegation of a booby-trapped UNRWA clinic, were repeated by UNRWA opponents.
2014: UNRWA Faces Accusations and Rebuttals During Israel-Gaza Conflict
During the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict, UNRWA faced accusations from Israel, including claims of using ambulances to transport militants. UNRWA refuted these allegations, leading to retractions and highlighting the challenges of maintaining neutrality in conflict zones.
2014: Brazil and the United Arab Emirates join UNRWA's AdCom
In 2014, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates joined UNRWA's AdCom.
2014: Weapons Found in UNRWA Schools
In 2014, during the Israel-Gaza conflict, weapons were discovered in three vacant UNRWA schools that were closed for summer. UNRWA condemned this act as a violation of international law and withdrew its staff, but reportedly returned the weapons to the local government, Hamas.
2014: UNRWA intervention following the 2014 Gaza War
The 2014 Gaza War necessitated further intervention by UNRWA in the affected areas.
2014: Key figures for UNRWA
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2014: UNRWA Cancels Summer Camps in Gaza Due to Funding Shortages, Allowing Hamas to Expand Influence
UNRWA was forced to cancel its summer camps in Gaza in 2012 and 2014 because of funding shortages. This allowed Hamas to fill the void, becoming the primary provider of summer activities for a large number of children and youth.
2015: Allegations of Misconduct and Abuse of Power
Starting in 2015, an internal ethics report, later leaked to Al Jazeera in 2019, raised concerns about potential misconduct within UNRWA. The report alleged that senior management's consolidation of power had led to issues such as nepotism and abuse of power.
June 2017: Tunnel Discovery Under UNRWA Schools in Gaza
In June 2017, UNRWA employees discovered a tunnel running beneath two schools in the Maghazi area of Gaza. While the tunnel had no entry points within the schools, UNRWA decided to seal it. Hamas denied involvement, further illustrating the complex operating environment for UNRWA in Gaza.
August 2018: United States halts funding to UNRWA
The US government ceased its financial contributions to UNRWA in August 2018, citing concerns that the agency's mandate should be limited to the surviving Palestinians from when it was established.
2018: Positive Assessments from UN Bodies
In 2018, UNRWA highlighted positive assessments of its management and impact from independent bodies such as MOPAN and the United Nations Board of Auditors. The agency emphasized these evaluations, particularly in light of political and financial pressures.
2018: Qatar joins UNRWA's AdCom
Qatar became a member of UNRWA's AdCom in 2018.
December 2019: Several countries restore or increase funding to UNRWA
December 2019 saw the Netherlands restore and increase its funding to UNRWA, the EU boost its contribution, and Germany commit to funding new UNRWA projects. Additionally, Qatar increased its donation for Palestinians in Syria.
December 2019: UNRWA Mandate Extended
UNRWA's mandate was renewed on December 13, 2019, extending its operation until June 30, 2023.
2019: MOPAN Commends UNRWA's Efficiency
A subsequent MOPAN assessment in 2019 further commended UNRWA for its continued efforts in enhancing program efficiency. The agency was recognized for its competence, resilience, and determination in fulfilling its mandate.
2019: UNRWA's budget allocation
As of 2019, UNRWA allocated the majority of its budget to education (58%), followed by healthcare (15%), and general support services (13%).
2019: UNRWA Registered Refugee Count Exceeds 5.6 Million
By 2019, the number of Palestinian refugees registered with UNRWA surpassed 5.6 million, highlighting the agency's extensive reach.
2019: UNRWA receives significant funding from EU countries
In 2019, EU countries contributed to nearly 60% of UNRWA's total pledge of $1.00 billion, with Germany being the largest single donor.
2019: Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joins UNRWA's AdCom as observer
The Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joined UNRWA's Advisory Commission (AdCom) as an observer in 2019.
2019: Discussions held regarding UNRWA's funding situation
The funding situation for UNRWA in 2019 and beyond was discussed at a "Ministerial Strategic Dialogue" and a high-level ministerial meeting during the annual UN General Assembly.
January 2020: UNRWA Raises Concerns Over Israeli Actions in East Jerusalem
In January 2020, UNRWA expressed concerns about Israel's construction of schools and institutions in East Jerusalem, an area UNRWA considers part of its responsibility. UNRWA viewed these actions as attempts to undermine its presence and operations.
March 2020: Philippe Lazzarini Becomes UNRWA Commissioner-General
On March 8, 2020, Philippe Lazzarini from Switzerland assumed the role of UNRWA Commissioner-General, taking responsibility for managing the agency's activities and personnel.
July 2020: UNRWA Commissioner-General warns of "unsustainable" budget
In July 2020, UNRWA's Commissioner-General warned that the agency's budget was "not sustainable," citing shortfalls in funding over the previous years, reaching its lowest point since 2012.
September 2021: European Parliament Threatens to Withhold UNRWA Funding
The European Parliament's Budgetary Control Committee voted in September 2021 to withhold 20 million Euros in aid to UNRWA unless changes were made to its education curriculum, citing concerns about hate speech and violence.
2021: Investigations into UNRWA and Textbook Controversy
In 2021, the Australian and Canadian governments launched investigations into UNRWA, while the British government found that UNRWA had produced textbooks that incite violence. In response, UNRWA restricted public access to its website content. Phillipe Lazzarini, UNRWA's Commissioner-General, acknowledged the presence of problematic content in UNRWA schools but insisted that the agency took measures to prevent it from being taught.
June 2023: UNRWA Mandate Expires
The mandate for UNRWA, as extended on December 13, 2019, was set to expire on June 30, 2023.
October 2023: Allegations of UNRWA Staff Involvement in Attack Surface
Following the October 2023 attack, allegations emerged suggesting that UNRWA staff members may have been involved, prompting investigations and raising concerns about potential breaches of neutrality.
November 2023: Funding Freeze and Hostage Testimony Spark Scrutiny of UNRWA
Germany froze funding to UNRWA in November 2023 after a released hostage revealed being held captive in an UNRWA teacher's attic and Germany found UNRWA teaching materials promoting hate and anti-Semitism. The US Congress also reviewed its funding.
2023: UNRWA's registered beneficiaries reach 5.9 million
By 2023, the number of people registered for UNRWA services reached about 5.9 million.
2023: Hostage Held in UNRWA Teacher's Home, Staff Praises Hamas, and Weapons Found in UNRWA Facilities During 2023 Israel-Hamas War
During the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, a released hostage claimed to have been held in the home of a UNRWA teacher. UNRWA stated it was investigating the matter. Additionally, there were reports of UNRWA teachers and staff praising Hamas's attacks on social media. The IDF also uncovered Hamas weapons hidden in and under UNRWA facilities.
2023: US Funding for UNRWA: From Halt to Resumption
The Trump administration halted funding to UNRWA in 2023, citing unsustainable practices and claiming it hindered peace. However, the Biden administration restarted funding upon taking office and has provided over $1 billion by 2023.
2023: Key figures for UNRWA
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January 2024: UNRWA Reports Deaths of Staff Members in Gaza
As of January 2024, UNRWA reported that 152 of its staff members in the Gaza Strip had been killed since the outbreak of hostilities, highlighting the risks faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones.
January 2024: Israeli Officials Seek to Halt Funding for UNRWA
In January 2024, Israeli Knesset members initiated efforts to cut off global funding for UNRWA, aiming to expose what they perceived as the organization's true nature.
January 2024: UNRWA Investigates Staff Over Alleged Involvement in 2023 Attack
In January 2024, UNRWA announced an investigation into allegations that twelve of its employees participated in the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. Israel provided information to UNRWA, prompting the agency to dismiss the employees and refer them for criminal investigation.
January 2024: UNRWA Establishes Independent Review Group to Assess Neutrality
In January 2024, UNRWA formed an independent review group, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, to examine allegations of neutrality breaches and evaluate the agency's efforts to maintain impartiality. The review, published in April, found instances where UNRWA's neutrality was compromised through the utilization of its facilities for military and political purposes. However, the review also noted that Israel did not provide evidence to support claims of widespread terrorist affiliations among UNRWA employees.
January 2024: US Rejects Calls to Defund UNRWA
In January 2024, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller publicly rejected calls to withdraw funding from UNRWA, emphasizing the importance of the agency's continued work.
February 2024: UNRWA Alleges Torture of Staff by Israeli Officials
In February 2024, UNRWA released a report alleging that Israeli officials had detained and tortured UN staff members to coerce false confessions about the agency's involvement in the October 7, 2023 attack. The report detailed accounts of physical abuse, sleep deprivation, sexual abuse, and threats of sexual violence against detainees. The staff members alleged they were forced to make false statements linking UNRWA to Hamas and implicating staff in the October 7th attack.
February 2024: IDF Uncovers Hamas Tunnel Under UNRWA Headquarters in Gaza
In February 2024, the IDF uncovered a tunnel allegedly used by Hamas located underneath UNRWA's main headquarters in Gaza. The tunnel contained computer servers, batteries, and was connected to the UNRWA office building. UNRWA's Director, Philippe Lazzarini, denied knowledge of the tunnel, a claim challenged by Israel and some media outlets.
2024: Review Highlights Issues with UNRWA's Neutrality
A 2024 review identified the use of "host-country textbooks with problematic content" as a concern regarding UNRWA's neutrality. While acknowledging nuanced findings from three international assessments of PA textbooks, the review highlighted that two assessments found bias and antagonistic content, and one identified two instances of antisemitic motifs.
2024: Testimonies on UNRWA in US House Subcommittee
During a hearing of the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability in 2024, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies testified that UNRWA's core mission was to indoctrinate generations with hatred towards Jews and Israel. The CEO of the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education also testified, stating that UNRWA's education promoted the idea that death was preferable to life.
June 2026: UNRWA Mandate Extension
UNRWA's mandate was renewed until June 2026, demonstrating the international community's continued commitment to supporting Palestinian refugees.
