The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has revealed it is facing an orchestrated disinformation campaign, ongoing for over two years, aimed at dismantling the organization. The agency stated that this campaign has reached “unprecedented levels.”
In a post on X, UNRWA addressed what it called a common misconception: that it perpetuates the refugee status of Palestinians. The agency asserted that refugees, regardless of their location, remain refugees until a just and lasting political solution to their plight is achieved.
UNRWA emphasized that dismantling the agency would not end the refugee status of Palestinians in the absence of a political resolution. It warned that the most vulnerable, particularly those living in camps who rely on UNRWA for essential services like education and healthcare, would be disproportionately affected.
“Spreading disinformation diverts attention and causes real harm to one of the most vulnerable populations in the Middle East,” UNRWA stated. It suggested that a genuine alternative would involve a serious investment in peace and in viable, capable future Palestinian institutions.
Established in December 1949 by UN resolution 302, UNRWA was created to provide relief and work for Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 war. Since its inception, the agency has served as an international umbrella for Palestinian refugees and their descendants, providing education, health, and relief services in its areas of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.
The need for UNRWA’s services has increased in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of conflict. The agency has faced mounting pressure and accusations, which it denies, while continuing to provide essential humanitarian aid.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to its mandate, emphasizing the importance of accurate information and a focus on finding lasting solutions for Palestinian refugees.
