Board of Peace says policy on UNRWA in Gaza remains unchanged

The Board of Peace said on Sunday that its policy toward the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza remained unchanged, reiterating that it would not cooperate with UNRWA as part of its plans for the territory.

In a statement, the Board said it intended to work with what it described as “trusted partners” capable of providing services and programs that meet the needs of Gaza’s population while supporting stability and longer-term economic development.

The Board said that, in its assessment, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) did not meet the criteria it had established for organizations participating in its Gaza framework.

It said its approach was intended to reduce long-term dependence on humanitarian assistance and move toward a development model designed to increase economic self-reliance.

According to the statement, the Board envisages an economic framework for Gaza focused on creating employment, improving living conditions and establishing conditions for longer-term development and stability.

The statement also referred to creating an environment “free from extremism” as one of the objectives it expects participating organizations to support.

UNRWA has historically been one of the largest providers of humanitarian assistance, education and health services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza. The agency has faced restrictions and allegations from Israel concerning some of its employees and its operations, while UNRWA has rejected broader claims that it is institutionally linked to militant groups.