Palestinian groups warn of risks to refugee cause following Peace Council remarks on UNRWA

Palestinian institutions and political figures have expressed deep concern following statements by the Peace Council regarding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The Council suggested that UNRWA does not meet the criteria of a ‘trusted partner’ and linked future cooperation to ‘deradicalization’ efforts.

Palestinian refugee committees and Hamas officials have warned that this rhetoric aligns with Israeli efforts to dismantle the agency and undermine the political and legal status of the Palestinian refugee cause. Critics argue that subjecting the UN agency to external political and security conditions threatens its international mandate and its role in upholding the right of return.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has defended the agency, stating that UNRWA is ‘indispensable and irreplaceable’ and calling for continued political and financial support. While a Peace Council official noted that UNRWA’s ‘days may be over,’ they added that its programs could continue if they effectively serve the population in Gaza.