UNRWA is
Irreplaceable
the truth is simple, UNRWA works!
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the truth is simple, UNRWA works! 〰️
Even Secretary of State,
Antony Blinken agrees...
In a letter to the Israeli government, warning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to lift restrictions on aid into Gaza or face unspecified policy "implications", U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin commented on UNRWA’s critical role serving Palestinian refugees:
“.. …enacting…[the Knesset] restrictions [against UNRWA] would devastate the Gaza humanitarian response at this critical moment and deny vital educational and social services to tens of thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.”
Serving Palestine refugees
for 75+ years
Mandated by the UN in 1949, UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, has been a lifeline for nearly 6 million Palestine refugees in the Middle East, delivering high-quality education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid that are not just essential but their fundamental rights. These services uphold the dignity and human rights of Palestine refugees.
The truth is simple: UNRWA works, and it is irreplaceable. As the quotes on this page affirm, top American officials, including the Secretary of State, Antony Bliken, recognize its irreplaceable role, with the United States government historically being UNRWA’s largest donor. Until a just and lasting solution is achieved, UNRWA’s work remains vital. UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA), a separate but affiliated nonprofit, mobilizes the American people to support this essential mission through tax-deductible donations and advocacy.
Join UNRWA USA in declaring #HandsOffUNRWA with our digital toolkit and help protect the rights and dignity of Palestine refugees.
unrwa is irreplaceable
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unrwa is irreplaceable —
U.s. officials on UNRWA's critical role
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![Ned Miller at the U.S. Department of State podium, flanked by American flags and a department emblem.]()
"UNRWA plays a critical, important role in delivering humanitarian assistance to civilians that need it in Gaza…There's nobody that can replace them right now in the middle of the crisis.”
Matthew Miller
Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State
October 28, 2024 -
![Anthony Blinken in a suit speaking at a podium with an American flag in the background.]()
“...we are deeply concerned about the potential adoption of Knesset legislation that could remove certain privileges and immunities from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its staff, prohibit official contact with UNRWA, and alter the status quo regarding UNRWA in Jerusalem…enacting such restrictions would devastate the Gaza humanitarian response at this critical moment and deny vital educational and social services to tens of thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This could have implications under relevant US law and policy.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Letter to Israel Government
October 13, 2024 -
![A woman speaking at a United Nations meeting with a 'United States' nameplate, wearing glasses, holding documents, and accompanied by two attendees in the background.]()
"We recognize UNRWA is vital – particularly to the humanitarian response in Gaza. They are risking their lives in a conflict zone to deliver polio vaccines, fuel, and food aid; working tirelessly to keep health clinics, hospitals, and emergency shelters functional; and enabling safe movement of other humanitarian organizations. For all these reasons, we are deeply troubled by the recently adopted Knesset legislation, and we urge Israel to pause its implementation. If fully implemented, this legislation will grind the entire humanitarian response to a halt."
Ambassador Lisa Carty
U.S. Representative to the Economic and Social Council
November 6, 2024 -
![Panel of individuals seated, with a sign reading 'United States' prominently in front of one of them.]()
"At the same time, we know that right now, there is no alternative to UNRWA when it comes to delivering food and other life-saving aid in Gaza. Therefore, we have concerns about this [Knesset] legislation [against UNRWA] being implemented."
Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Ambassador to the UN
October 29, 2024 -
![Man speaking at a U.S. Department of State podium with flags in the background.]()
"Let me start by just by reiterating that we are deeply troubled by this legislation. It could shutter UNRWA operations in the West Bank, in Gaza, in East Jerusalem. Palestinians who rely on UNRWA for essential services, including healthcare and primary and secondary education. UNRWA plays a critical role in providing services to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and particularly, in Gaza. They play a role right now that at least today, cannot be filled by anyone else. They are a key partner in delivering food, water, and in Gaza that wouldn't have anyone else to get it from, if UNRWA were to go away."Item
Matthew Miller
Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State
October 29, 2024 -
![Person in military-style suit speaking at Pentagon podium.]()
"..you’ve got 13,000 UNRWA employees — the U.N. Relief and Works Agency — you’ve got 13,000 of them in Gaza alone. And, as I said last week, let’s not impugn the good work of a whole agency because of the potential bad actions here by a small number.”
John Kirby
White House National Security Communications
January 29 2024 -
![A person at a conference with a United States nameplate]()
"We offer our deepest condolences to the families of UN personnel killed, and recognize the tragic and unprecedented toll this conflict has taken on the UN family. Colleagues, many of these incidents were preventable. We will continue to raise the need for Israel to facilitate humanitarian operations, and protect humanitarian workers and facilities, such as the UNRWA school targeted by the IDF last week in Nuseirat."
Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Ambassador to the UN
September 16, 2024
Join UNRWA USA in standing against this outrageous and unjust ban on UNRWA and raise our voices in declaring #HandsOffUNRWA, as we demand recognition of UNRWA’s irreplaceable role.
Our digital advocacy toolkit is your resource for understanding UNRWA’s work and ways to take action against the UNRWA ban. Join us in declaring #HandsOffUNRWA.
#HandsOffUNRWA
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#HandsOffUNRWA 〰️
UNRWA: A Proven Commitment to Neutrality
UNRWA has long faced misinformation and disinformation, including about its staff and operations.This has intensified since the war in Gaza began on October 7th.
UNRWA is firmly committed to neutrality and accountability, with rigorous systems in place to address and investigate any allegations of misconduct.
Independent reviews affirm the Agency’s integrity and dedication to its vital humanitarian mission.