Frequently Asked Questions

YES, UNRWA is still in Gaza

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YES, UNRWA is still in Gaza 〰️

yes, UNRwa is still in Gaza

  • Yes! UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, continues to operate in the Gaza Strip and always has. UNRWA never left the Gaza Strip. Its aid never stopped.

    Some people think UNRWA disappeared because of confusion and misinformation over the years.

    Here’s what actually happened:

    • Relocation of operations: At the start of the crisis in October 2023, UNRWA relocated its headquarters from Gaza City to Rafah, but the UN agency never left Gaza.

    • Blocked communications: Israel “banned” UNRWA, meaning communications were halted, not operations.

    • Funding gaps: The US government defunded UNRWA, so generous American donors like you stepped in, giving tens of millions of dollars in grassroots funding

    • Aid delivery disruptions: UNRWA aid convoys are being blocked by Israel at the borders, but not all aid relies on trucks, so UNRWA keeps delivering assistance in other ways, like providing healthcare

    • Misinformation campaigns: Millions have been spent on propaganda and massive amounts of misinformation have circulated, confusing the public about UNRWA’s presence

    All of this happened during a two-year period of catastrophic humanitarian conditions and extreme hardship for the people in Gaza — what experts know to be a genocide.

    Because of these factors, some people, even well-meaning, well-intentioned supporters, have mistakenly pulled back support, thinking UNRWA left Gaza. But it never did.

    Through it all, UNRWA stays, serving Gaza’s population.

  • Misinformation can cost lives. And truth needs repetition. When people think UNRWA is gone, they stop giving, stop advocating, and stop showing up for Gaza. By spreading the truth, you help:

    • Protect UNRWA’s reputation

    • Keep humanitarian support flowing

    • Show decision-makers that Americans care

    That’s why we’re running the “UNRWA is still in Gaza” campaign. Let’s flood the feeds with facts and remind everyone: UNRWA is still in Gaza.

  • UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza, and continues to provide critical humanitarian and public services every day.

    As of November 25, 2025, in Gaza alone, UNRWA is still providing:

    • Healthcare: UNRWA is providing 10,000+ medical consultations daily — it is now the #1 provider of primary healthcare

    • Water: UNRWA is maintaining wells to ensure access to clean water

    • Sanitation: UNRWA cleans and maintains overcrowded shelters to stop the spread of disease

    • Education and Psychosocial Support: UNRWA is teaching and counseling children, helping families cope with loss, displacement, and the daily trauma of survival

    • Shelter and Relief: UNRWA is assisting displaced families, especially during the winter season where we’re seeing lots of flooding from heavy rains

    UNRWA has 11,000-12,000 local Palestinian staff who remain on the ground in Gaza delivering these services, even where international staff cannot go. 

    UNRWA also continues to operate in the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan — reaching millions of Palestine refugees.

  • Yes, absolutely! Since the US government defunded UNRWA in early 2024, the best way for Americans to support UNRWA’s work in Gaza is through UNRWA USA. Donations to UNRWA USA are tax-deductible, and right now, the vast majority go directly to UNRWA’s life-saving relief and humanitarian programs in Gaza.


    Winter in Gaza is harsh. Thousands of families are living in shelters, tents, and damaged buildings, facing freezing temperatures, flooding, and illness. Your donation helps displaced people trying to survive have access to UNRWA services like primary healthcare. This year-end, let’s show Palestine refugees that Americans care—and help save lives. Donate today: unrwausa.org/donate

  • UNRWA and UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) are different organizations, but we work closely together to support Palestine refugees.

    About UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA)

    UNRWA USA is an independent 501c3 American nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington DC. 

    We are not part of the United Nations and we do not run programs in the Middle East ourselves.

    Instead: UNRWA USA raises private, grassroots funds for UNRWA — the UN Agency that delivers the programs on the ground in the Middle East.

    Here’s what that partnership looks like in practice:

    • UNRWA USA raises money in the United States through individual grassroots supporters, philanthropic partnerships, and nationwide campaigns and events.

    • UNRWA USA does not receive funding from the US government or the United Nations.

    • These private funds are granted directly to UNRWA to support specific programs we select and emergency needs.

    • UNRWA USA educates the American public, uplifts the stories, humanity, and voices of Palestine refugees and works to shift narratives toward truth and dignity.

    • UNRWA USA advocates for US government funding for UNRWA so the Agency can fulfill its mandate.

    • UNRWA USA is now UNRWA’s largest institutional partner worldwide, sending more private support to UNRWA than any other organization globally.

    • Donations to UNRWA are only tax-deductible for US tax payers when made through UNRWA USA

    In short: UNRWA USA raises the funds, UNRWA delivers the aid.

  • No. UNRWA USA is not part of the UN. UNRWA, the UN agency it supports, is.

  • UNRWA USA lifts up the voices, experiences, and humanity of Palestine refugees to secure American support for resources essential to every human being, for the promise of a better life.

    We do this by:

    1. Raising awareness in the United States: UNRWA USA helps Americans understand who Palestine refugees are and what they face by sharing human-centered stories, producing digital and educational content, hosting events, and leading narrative transformation initiatives.

    2. Fundraising for key UNRWA programs: We raise tax-deductible private donations that we grant to UNRWA to address the following priorities and positively impact Palestine refugees’ quality of life:

      1. Education and training

      2. Health

      3. Protection

      4. Emergency response

    3. Advocacy and civic engagement: We mobilize supporters in the United States to contact their elected representatives, advocate for restoring US government funding for UNRWA, and ensure that Palestine refugees remain a priority on Capitol Hill.

    4. Building a community of support: Through nationwide campaigns, events, partnerships, and digital engagement, we bring together a diverse community that shows Palestine refugees that Americans care.

UNRWa usa

UNRWA

  • The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a UN agency established in 1949 by the UN General Assembly as a temporary humanitarian agency to address what the international community believed and expected to be a temporary refugee crisis. UNRWA is supported by two national committees, UNRWA USA and UNRWA Espana (Spain).

    More than seven decades later, due to the absence of a just and durable political solution, UNRWA’s services remain indispensable for millions of Palestine refugees.

    UNRWA is based in the Middle East and mandated by the UN General Assembly to provide essential humanitarian and human development services across:

    • The Gaza Strip

    • The West Bank (including East Jerusalem)

    • Jordan

    • Lebanon

    • Syria

    UNRWA operates:

    • Hundreds of schools serving more than 500,000 children

    • Dozens of health centers providing millions of medical consultations annually

    • Emergency relief, food assistance, and cash assistance

    • Mobile health clinics and psychosocial support

    • Shelters, blankets, hygiene supplies, and crisis response

    • Clean water systems, sanitation, and camp improvement

  • UNRWA is mandated by the UN General Assembly to serve Palestine refugees.

    In 1952, the UN defined a Palestine refugee as a person whose:

    "normal place of residence was Palestine during the period June 1, 1946 to May 15, 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict."

    This mandate covers: 

    • Individuals who meet the definition, and

    • The descendants of fathers who meet the definition.

    The General Assembly has also mandated UNRWA to offer services to certain people who require humanitarian assistance, on an emergency basis as and when required, in UNRWA fields of operations. This includes people in the region who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance as a result of the 1967 and subsequent hostilities. These persons are not registered as Palestine refugees.

    Only the General Assembly can change the mandate of UNRWA, the definition of a Palestine refugee and whom the Agency is mandated to serve.

  • Approximately 5.9 million Palestine refugees are registered with UNRWA and are eligible for UNRWA services across its five fields of operation.

    Important clarifications:

    • Not all registered refugees actually use UNRWA services — some may not need assistance or may live outside these areas.

    • UNRWA’s budget is based on the number of people who actually use its services, not the total number registered.

    • Anyone eligible may access education and primary health care.

    • Other forms of assistance (cash, food, hospitalization) are offered based on eligibility criteria that help reach those most in need.

    • Today, around half a million children attend UNRWA schools.

    For many Palestine refugees, UNRWA is their only source of education, healthcare, food assistance, and emergency relief.

    Eligibility for UNRWA services is separate from questions of refugee status or nationality under international or national law, which fall outside UNRWA’s mandate.

    • Education: UNRWA operates hundreds of schools, providing free primary and secondary education to over 500,000 refugee children, ensuring they have access to quality learning opportunities.

    • Healthcare: UNRWA runs primary healthcare centers that offer free medical services, maternal care, vaccinations, and mental health support, providing millions of consultations annually.

    • Emergency Relief & Food Assistance: In times of crisis, UNRWA delivers life-saving aid, including food, cash assistance, and shelter, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

    • Social Services & Protection: UNRWA supports vulnerable refugees, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, through livelihood programs, vocational training, and social safety nets.

    • Infrastructure & Camp Improvement: UNRWA provides clean water, sanitation, and waste management in refugee camps, ensuring healthier living conditions.

    UNRWA’s work is a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees, offering critical support for their survival, dignity, and future.

  • Nearly 99% of UNRWA’s staff are Palestinian and refugees themselves.

    They deeply understand the needs and realities of the people they support. They are not just aid workers — they are helping their own people. The aid is delivered by people who share the lived experience of the refugee community.

    Because UNRWA hires locally, most “administrative costs” go toward salaries for refugee staff, each of whom typically supports five to ten family members. This makes UNRWA one of the most cost-effective humanitarian agencies in the world — the money stays in the community and directly sustains families and the local economy.

    UNRWA is also the only UN agency that directly provides services. It runs its own schools, clinics, food distribution systems, shelters, and sanitation infrastructure — rather than outsourcing this work to partners. 

  • While many humanitarian organizations, including UN agencies and nonprofits, provide support in Gaza, UNRWA is the largest humanitarian actor and no organization can replace it in scale, reach, or operational capacity to meet the overwhelming and growing needs of the population.

    See this fact sheet detailing UNRWA’s current efforts in Gaza (January 2025)

Funding & Financial Transparency

view financial statements

  • No. UNRWA and UNRWA USA are separate organizations with completely separate funding streams.

    • UNRWA is a UN agency funded mostly by governments and international donors, including UNRWA USA.

    • UNRWA USA is an independent nonprofit funded entirely by private donors, foundations, and grassroots supporters in the US.

  • (see Medium article) 

    UNRWA was created in 1949 as a temporary UN agency to solve what was thought to be a temporary refugee crisis. Because of that, its funding system was set up to be voluntary, and temporary.

    • UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN Member States, regional governments, and other international donors, including UNRWA USA.

    • UNRWA does not receive its core budget from the UN’s general funds.

    • Governments choose each year whether, and how much, to contribute to UNRWA.

    Recent funding context:

    • In 2023, the United States government was UNRWA’s largest donor, providing between one-fourth and one-third of its entire budget.

    • In early 2024, some countries, including the United States, paused UNRWA funding following allegations involving a small number of UNRWA staff.

    • Multiple donor governments conducted independent investigations and, finding no wrongdoing, resumed their funding to UNRWA.

    • Despite these findings, as of November 2025, the US government's pause on UNRWA funding remains in place.

    You can urge Congress to support the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025 here: unrwausa.org/advocate

  • UNRWA USA is an independent 501c3 American nonprofit organization based in Washington DC.

    • We receive no funding from the US government or the United Nations.

    • We are funded entirely by private donations, foundations, and grassroots supporters across all 50 states.

    • We use these funds to support specific UNRWA programs and emergency response and to mobilize Americans to show solidarity with Palestine refugees.

    • UNRWA USA is one of UNRWA’s donors — and currently UNRWA’s largest institutional donor worldwide (as of November 2025).

    Recent funding impact:

    • Since October 2023, some 180,000 grassroots donors across the US have enabled UNRWA USA to send nearly $80 million to UNRWA’s Gaza Emergency Fund — making UNRWA USA the UN agency’s largest institutional donor.

    In 2024, UNRWA USA contributed $44 million to UNRWA overall, ranking as the Agency’s 7th largest donor worldwide. View our annual reports

  • Yes. UNRWA USA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, meaning all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by US law. Donors receive a receipt for tax filing purposes.

    For specific tax-related advice, donors should consult a tax professional.

  • There are a two main reasons:

    1. Tax benefits for US donors:

      1. When you give through UNRWA USA, your gift is tax-deductible in the US.

      2. Gifts made directly to UNRWA (the UN agency) are not tax-deductible for US taxpayers.

    2. You’re not just donating or fundraising, you’re joining a community:

    UNRWA USA is not just a fundraising arm — we are the agency’s voice, advocates, and community builders in the United States. Giving or fundraising through UNRWA USA means you become part of a nationwide community of solidarity, one that is learning, engaging, and showing up together for Palestine refugees.

    As part of this community, you gain access to:

    1. Events across the country, like our Gaza 5K runs/walks, panels, and community gatherings

    2. Advocacy opportunities, including ways to take action with your elected officials

    3. Educational content, storytelling, webinars, briefings, and updates directly from the ground

    4. Volunteer opportunities and national campaigns you can be part of

    5. A direct relationship with our team — you can always call or email us to discuss your giving, ask questions, or learn more about the impact of your support

    6. And a sense of belonging: UNRWA USA supporters often tell us they feel like they’ve found “their people” here — a place where they can act on their values, meet others who care, and stay informed about what’s happening in Gaza and the region.

  • UNRWA USA is committed to transparency and accountability.

    In 2024, our overhead was just 4.5%. 

    We have received a Platinum rating from GuideStar — their highest level of recognition

    We also hold a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, awarded only to the “most fiscally responsible organizations.”

    Our IRS Form 990s, annual reports, and finances are available here.

  • Become an UNRWA USA Solidarity Sustainer, our monthly giving program, here: unrwausa.org/monthly.

  • To update your monthly donation amount or frequency, contact us here.

    To update your credit card information, please call UNRWA USA at 202-223-3767.

    For your security, please do not email your credit card information.

  • No, UNRWA never sells its humanitarian assistance. To support displaced families and address bread shortages, UNRWA provided bakeries with flour at no cost. This has allowed bakeries to sell bread at half price.

    All food assistance, water, shelter materials, medical supplies, hygiene kits, and other items are provided free of charge to refugees in need.

    UNRWA has no control over what individuals choose to do with their own UNRWA-branded supplies once they receive them, just as any humanitarian agency does not control how beneficiaries use aid after distribution. Like in any community under extreme hardship, people may make difficult choices to survive. Some families may choose to sell or trade a portion of their aid to purchase other essentials they urgently need (like medicine or diapers). This does not mean the aid was sold by UNRWA — only that people in a humanitarian catastrophe use what they have to meet their most immediate needs. 

The United States and UNRWA

  • For over 75 years, the United States government has helped fund UNRWA because UNRWA cares for millions of Palestine refugees across the region, providing regional stability by supporting host governments like Jordan, a key US ally, in serving millions of Palestine refugees that otherwise would not have access to public services.

    The US was UNRWA’s #1 donor for decades, recognizing UNRWA’s irreplaceable role in providing life-saving services to Palestine refugees at a scale no other organization can match.

    When the US defunded UNRWA in 2018 and again in January 2024, it created a huge gap and left UNRWA without critical resources to sustain its humanitarian mission for Palestine refugees.

    This is why UNRWA USA and people all over the country are working hard to help bring the funding back. Every donation and every message to Congress helps keep support for Palestine refugees alive.

  • In January 2024, the US and some other donor countries paused its funding to UNRWA following unsubstantiated allegations involving a few UNRWA staff. In response, the UN and UNRWA acted swiftly and decisively by immediately launching an internal investigation, and terminating the contracts of the accused UNRWA staff members while the inquiry proceeded. UNRWA also launched an independent review of its neutrality mechanisms to ensure the Agency was operating at the highest humanitarian standard possible.

    Since the review found that UNRWA has robust neutrality mechanisms, more so than any other UN agency, 14 out of the 15 nations that initially paused reinstated funding.

    The US is the only major donor still withholding funds.

  • UNRWA USA is actively working to bring US funding back to UNRWA through advocacy, public engagement, and coalition-building. This includes:

    • Mobilizing grassroots advocacy – Encouraging Americans to contact their reps and urge them to cosponsor the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025.

    • Engaging with policymakers – Meeting with members of Congress, government officials, and key decision-makers to emphasize UNRWA’s critical role in humanitarian aid and regional stability.

    • Fighting misinformation – Educating the American public about what’s really happening through campaigns, social media, and events that counter misinformation and highlight the urgent need for restored funding.

    • Working with partners and building coalitions – We join human rights groups, faith-based groups, and advocacy networks to amplify calls for US support.

    You can take action here: unrwausa.org/advocate

  • Anyone in or from the United States can help in simple, powerful ways: 

    • Donate: Give to UNRWA USA to directly support healthcare, education, food assistance, shelter, and emergency relief.

    • Advocate: Email or call your representatives and urge them to support US government funding for UNRWA.

    • Fundraise: Organize an event, online fundraiser, or gathering to raise money.

    • Join a Gaza 5K: Walk or run to support UNRWA mental health services for children in Gaza.

    • Wear your solidarity: Proudly wear UNRWA USA merch to show solidarity in your community and spark conversations about UNRWA and Palestine refugees.

    • Volunteer: Help at an UNRWA uSA event in a city near you.

    • Follow and engage on social media: Follow UNRWA USA on social media and engage with our posts. Share our content to raise awareness, fight misinformation, and keep Palestine refugees in the public conversation.

    • Stay informed: Sign up for our emails and be the first to know all things UNRWA and Palestine refugees.

  • It’s easy and takes less than one minute!Right now, the most important issue to bring to your US elected officials is about UNRWA funding.

    1. Go to UNRWA USA’s Advocacy page

    2. Type in your name and contact information

    3. A pre-written message will automatically be sent to your senators and representative. You always have the option to edit the message and we encourage you to share why you support UNRWA. Personalized messages better catch the attention of staffers. 

    🖊️Click here to take action now. Every message shows Congress that Americans care.

  • No.
    UNRWA USA does not receive any money from the US government.

    UNRWA USA is an independent 501c3 nonprofit that relies only on donations from individuals, foundations, and private sources.

    But UNRWA USA does advocate for Congress to restore US government funding to UNRWA, the UN agency providing aid.

  • No. UNRWA USA is not connected to the US government in any way. The “USA” in our name simply refers to our location—we are based in the United States. 

Gaza Crisis FAQs

Amid these horrifying times, UNRWA USA donors are a lifeline for Palestine refugees.
Here are answers to your FAQs about donations and UNRWA's ongoing efforts on the ground.

Updated as of October 31, 2023

  • UNRWA’s temporary move to the Rafah Logistics Base reflects the need to relocate in the same direction as the one million refugees in Gaza forced to move southward.

    The move was also facilitated for the safety of thousands of UNRWA staff due to the heavy bombardment of airstrikes damaging the UNRWA HQ compound and the immediate vicinity.

  • As of October 24, 2023, UNRWA is sheltering 600K internally displaced peoples in 150 UNRWA facilities, incl. schools.

    UNRWA health staff have received thousands of visits at 8 of the 22 health centers still operating; 89 mobile medical teams have attended to over 9,000 cases at shelters.

    UNRWA social workers have provided 4,700 people with psychosocial support and social work services.

  • No, UNRWA never sells its humanitarian assistance materials.

    As always, UNRWA serves Palestine refugees for free. Such services include the distribution of bread at the shelters still in operation.

    To support displaced families and address bread shortages, UNRWA is also providing bakeries with flour for free. This has allowed bakeries to sell bread at half the cost.