In a poignant and impassioned address on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi underscored the critical importance of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), framing support for the agency as a fundamental litmus test for the international community's dedication to human values, humanitarian principles, and the foundational tenets of the United Nations Charter. Speaking at a press conference following the annual ministerial meeting dedicated to UNRWA, Safadi's words resonated with urgency amid the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. His remarks not only highlighted the agency's indispensable role but also served as a stark reminder of the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which has escalated dramatically since October 2023.
Safadi's statement comes at a pivotal moment. As of September 26, 2025, the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of Israel's military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in unprecedented levels of destruction and human suffering. The minister's call for unwavering support for UNRWA is not merely rhetorical; it reflects the agency's precarious financial and operational state, exacerbated by political pressures, funding shortfalls, and direct threats to its staff. "If we care about our human values, if we are committed to the Charter of the United Nations, if we care about humanity, our humanity, we have to support UNRWA," Safadi declared, emphasizing that the agency's work is "indispensable" in addressing the needs of millions of Palestinian refugees.
To fully appreciate the weight of Safadi's advocacy, it is essential to delve into the historical context of UNRWA. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1949, UNRWA was created in response to the displacement of over 700,000 Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, an event Palestinians refer to as the Nakba, or "catastrophe." Unlike other UN refugee agencies, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which focuses on global refugee issues, UNRWA is uniquely mandated to provide assistance specifically to Palestine refugees in five fields of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Over the decades, it has evolved into a lifeline for approximately 5.9 million registered refugees, offering essential services including education, healthcare, social services, infrastructure support, and emergency aid.
In Gaza alone, UNRWA operates more than 700 schools, educating over 500,000 children, and runs numerous health centers that provide primary care to a population besieged by poverty, unemployment, and recurrent conflict. The agency's role extends beyond mere survival aid; it fosters community resilience and preserves cultural identity amid prolonged displacement. However, UNRWA has long been a flashpoint in Israeli-Palestinian relations. Israel has repeatedly accused the agency of perpetuating the refugee issue rather than resolving it, claiming that it maintains an inflated definition of refugees by including descendants of the original 1948 displacees. Furthermore, allegations of UNRWA staff involvement with militant groups, particularly Hamas, have fueled Israeli efforts to undermine the organization.
Safadi's emphasis on UNRWA's irreplaceable role in Gaza is particularly salient given the enclave's dire circumstances. "Nobody will be able to help Palestinians like UNRWA will be able to," he asserted, pointing to the agency's deep-rooted presence and expertise. Indeed, UNRWA has been embedded in Gaza's social fabric for over seven decades, predating the current crisis by generations. Safadi vividly recounted this history: "UNRWA was there long before the genocide in Gaza started, long before Israel destroyed Gaza schools, long before Israel buried the children of Gaza under the rubble of their homes." His use of the term "genocide" aligns with accusations leveled by various international bodies and human rights organizations, though Israel vehemently denies such characterizations, framing its actions as self-defense against Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attacks that killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of over 250 hostages.
The minister's reference to UNRWA's sacrifices underscores the human cost borne by the agency. "UNRWA has been targeted long before Oct. 7. It has been targeted since, and it has made the ultimate sacrifice -- it paid in blood," Safadi said, noting that 340 humanitarian workers have been killed by Israeli forces. This figure, while staggering, is part of a broader pattern of attacks on aid workers in conflict zones, but in Gaza, it represents an unprecedented toll. According to reports from humanitarian watchdogs, many of these deaths occurred despite UNRWA's coordination with Israeli authorities to ensure safe passage for convoys and personnel. The targeting of aid infrastructure, including schools and clinics used as shelters, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised questions about compliance with international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilians and aid workers.
Safadi further argued that UNRWA's institutional knowledge positions it as the cornerstone for any post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza. "UNRWA knows Gaza better than anybody else, because UNRWA has been there for the people of Gaza through the years of siege," he explained. Gaza has endured a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007, following Hamas's takeover, which has severely restricted movement, goods, and services, leading to chronic underdevelopment. UNRWA's familiarity with local communities, supply chains, and logistical challenges makes it uniquely equipped to lead rebuilding initiatives. Without it, experts warn, reconstruction could falter, prolonging the suffering of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, many of whom are now internally displaced.
Transitioning from rhetoric to action, Safadi urged UN member states to convert their political endorsements into tangible resources. "It is imperative that we all come together, support UNRWA, politically, salute it, celebrate it for the sacrifices it's making, and also fund it so that it can restore life to Gaza," he stated. This call is timely, as UNRWA faces acute funding shortages. In recent months, the agency has warned of potential operational collapse without immediate infusions of cash. Safadi highlighted the perilous conditions for UNRWA staff, noting that they are "being hunted" amid the conflict, while the organization struggles to maintain services due to insufficient funds.
The ministerial meeting that preceded Safadi's press conference saw participation from over 50 countries, signaling a "global vote of confidence" in UNRWA, as the minister described it. Representatives from nations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond reaffirmed their commitment, with some pledging additional contributions. For instance, Spain's Foreign Minister echoed Safadi's sentiments, declaring, "We cannot allow UNRWA to collapse," and prioritizing the mobilization of funds. This international solidarity contrasts sharply with the positions of Israel and its key ally, the United States, which have actively worked to curtail UNRWA's operations.
A significant backdrop to Safadi's remarks is Israel's decision to ban UNRWA on October 28, 2024, within Israeli territory and the occupied Palestinian territories, with the prohibition taking effect in January 2025. This move, enacted through legislation by the Knesset, marks a dramatic escalation in Israel's long-standing campaign against the agency. Israeli officials justify the ban by alleging that UNRWA perpetuates anti-Israel sentiment through its education programs and that some employees participated in the October 7 attacks—a claim based on intelligence shared with the UN, leading to the dismissal of implicated staff and an independent review. However, the UN's investigation found no conclusive evidence of widespread involvement, and critics argue that the ban is politically motivated to dismantle Palestinian refugee rights.
The United States has been a staunch supporter of Israel's stance. Washington publicly endorsed Tel Aviv's right to prohibit UNRWA's operations and temporarily paused additional funding in 2024 following the allegations. This pause built on previous cuts; during Donald Trump's first presidency (2017-2021), the US halted all funding to UNRWA in 2018, citing concerns over efficiency and bias. Funding was partially restored under President Joe Biden in 2021, but the October 2023 events prompted renewed scrutiny. In a decisive move, on February 2025, President Donald Trump—having won the 2024 election—signed an executive order formally ending all US funding to the agency, fulfilling campaign promises to align more closely with Israeli security interests. This decision has drawn criticism from humanitarian advocates, who argue it undermines multilateralism and exacerbates the crisis in Gaza.
The human toll of the conflict provides the grim context for these diplomatic maneuvers. Since October 2023, the Israeli army has killed more than 65,500 Palestinians in Gaza, with the majority being women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities and international monitors. The relentless aerial and ground bombardments have devastated infrastructure, rendering vast swaths of the enclave uninhabitable. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, with over 80% of schools and hospitals damaged or destroyed. This destruction has precipitated acute humanitarian emergencies: widespread starvation due to blocked aid deliveries, the outbreak of preventable diseases like polio and hepatitis amid collapsed sanitation systems, and a mental health crisis affecting survivors of trauma.
UNRWA has been at the forefront of responding to these needs, distributing food parcels, medical supplies, and emergency shelter. Yet, the agency's efforts are hampered by the Israeli ban, which restricts its ability to operate in key areas. Safadi's narrative ties UNRWA's origins to the Palestinian plight: “UNRWA was born out of the agony of the Palestinian people. It has to stay until their misery ends by the fulfillment of their legitimate right ... to freedom, statehood, dignity and life." This statement invokes the right of return for Palestinian refugees, a core demand in peace negotiations, enshrined in UN General Assembly Resolution 194. The minister's words challenge the international community to uphold these rights, warning that abandoning UNRWA equates to abandoning hope for a just resolution.
Beyond the immediate crisis, Safadi's advocacy highlights broader implications for global governance. The UN Charter, adopted in 1945, commits member states to promoting human rights, fostering international cooperation, and maintaining peace. By framing UNRWA support as a test of these commitments, Safadi implicitly critiques the selective application of international law, where powerful nations like the US and Israel often evade accountability. Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented alleged war crimes in Gaza, including indiscriminate attacks and collective punishment, urging investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli leaders in May 2024 further intensified tensions, with Israel rejecting the court's jurisdiction.
Jordan's position is particularly influential given its geopolitical role. As a custodian of Jerusalem's holy sites and host to over 2 million Palestinian refugees, Jordan has been a key mediator in the region. Safadi, a seasoned diplomat, has consistently advocated for a two-state solution, condemning Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza. His recent condemnations extend to Israeli actions elsewhere, such as assaults on Qatar and UNRWA envoys, reflecting a pattern of what he terms "cowardly aggression."
International reactions to the UNRWA crisis vary. European Union members, including Germany and France, have resumed funding after initial pauses, emphasizing the agency's neutrality and vital role. Arab nations, led by Jordan and Egypt, have spearheaded diplomatic efforts to rally support, hosting conferences and lobbying at the UN. Meanwhile, countries like Norway and Ireland have increased contributions, viewing UNRWA as essential for stability. However, the funding gap persists; UNRWA requires over $1.2 billion annually, and shortfalls could force service cuts, affecting education for hundreds of thousands of children and healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Looking ahead, the sustainability of UNRWA hinges on political will. Safadi's call to "translate political will into resources" urges a shift from declarations to deeds. Potential pathways include diversifying funding sources, enhancing transparency to address Israeli concerns, and integrating UNRWA into broader peace initiatives. The upcoming UN General Assembly sessions could provide a platform for resolutions reaffirming UNRWA's mandate.
In the face of Gaza's uninhabitable conditions—where famine looms and diseases spread unchecked—UNRWA represents more than an aid agency; it embodies hope for dignity and self-determination. As Safadi poignantly stated, its endurance is tied to ending Palestinian misery through statehood and freedom. The global community now faces a choice: bolster UNRWA and uphold humanitarian values or risk complicity in prolonged suffering. This moment tests not just policies but the very essence of our shared humanity.
Expanding on the Historical and Geopolitical Dimensions
To further contextualize Safadi's remarks, it is worth exploring the evolution of the Palestinian refugee crisis and UNRWA's role within it. The 1948 war displaced families across borders, with many finding refuge in makeshift camps that have since become permanent settlements. UNRWA's initial mandate was temporary, aimed at providing relief until a political solution emerged. However, stalled peace processes— from the Oslo Accords in the 1990s to the failed Camp David talks in 2000—have perpetuated the agency's necessity.
Israel's criticisms of UNRWA date back decades. In the 1950s, Israeli leaders argued for resettling refugees in host countries, viewing the right of return as a threat to Israel's demographic composition. This tension escalated with the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza, bringing more refugees under its control. UNRWA's operations in these territories have often clashed with Israeli policies, such as demolitions of refugee homes deemed illegal.
The October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks marked a turning point. Israel's response, dubbed Operation Swords of Iron, involved massive airstrikes and a ground invasion, displacing nearly all of Gaza's population. UNRWA facilities, including schools sheltering civilians, were hit repeatedly, with Israel claiming they harbored militants—a charge UNRWA denies. The death of 340 staff members, many in marked UN vehicles, has prompted calls for independent inquiries.
Financially, UNRWA relies on voluntary contributions, with the US historically its largest donor. Trump's 2018 cut slashed funding by $300 million, forcing program reductions. The 2024 pause and 2025 executive order have compounded this, leaving a $450 million shortfall. Other donors, like the EU ($500 million annually) and Gulf states, have stepped up, but it's insufficient.
Safadi's warning of UNRWA's collapse echoes agency chief Philippe Lazzarini's pleas. Without funds by month's end, schools may close, exacerbating illiteracy and radicalization risks. In Gaza, where unemployment exceeds 50%, UNRWA's microfinance programs support livelihoods.
The ban's legality is contested. The UN argues it violates Israel's obligations under the 1949 UN-Israel agreement and international law. Potential workarounds include operating via subcontractors, but this undermines efficiency.
Humanitarian impacts are profound. Starvation affects 500,000 Gazans, per IPC reports. Diseases thrive in overcrowded camps lacking water. Children, comprising 40% of casualties, suffer lifelong trauma.
Safadi's vision aligns with Arab initiatives like the 2002 Peace Plan, offering normalization for withdrawal and statehood. Yet, Israeli hardliners reject this, prioritizing security.
In conclusion, Safadi's address is a rallying cry. Supporting UNRWA isn't charity; it's justice. As the world watches Gaza's agony, inaction risks eroding the UN's credibility. The path forward demands diplomacy, funding, and resolve to end the cycle of violence.