Daysofpal – United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared on Friday that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, “is not going to play any role” in delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, further complicating humanitarian efforts in a territory already devastated by two years of war and siege.
Speaking during a news conference in Israel, Rubio echoed Israeli claims that UNRWA had become “a subsidiary of Hamas,” allegations that have been dismissed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and multiple independent inquiries.
UNRWA swiftly rejected Rubio’s remarks, stressing that its work “remains vital to meeting urgent humanitarian needs” across the besieged enclave, where more than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s ongoing military campaign.
In a statement posted on X, the agency underscored that the ICJ itself had affirmed that “no organization can replace UNRWA’s role in supporting the people of Gaza.”
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq also pushed back against Rubio’s characterization, stating that “UNRWA is not linked to Hamas. It is the backbone of our humanitarian operations in Gaza.”
Israel barred UNRWA from operating earlier this year after accusing some of its employees of involvement in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, claims that have not been substantiated.
Humanitarian observers described Rubio’s comments as “shocking” and “devastating” for an agency that operates the largest and most organized aid network in Gaza.
“Nobody has that kind of infrastructure and history,” one humanitarian expert noted. “UNRWA is the only body capable of distributing aid with dignity and order.”
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