# Dispute over UNRWA status and Peace Council cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dispute-over-unrwa-status-and-peace-council-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-09-26T20:39:11.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Tensions have escalated regarding the future of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) following remarks by the Peace Council. The Council suggested that UNRWA does not meet the criteria of a ‘trusted partner’ and indicated that future cooperation would be linked to ‘deradicalization’ efforts in Gaza, with one official noting that the agency’s ‘days may be over.’

Palestinian institutions, refugee committees, and Hamas officials have warned that this rhetoric supports Israeli efforts to dismantle the agency and undermine the political and legal status of the Palestinian refugee cause. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem characterized the Board of Peace’s stance as an attempt to prevent aid delivery and eliminate the Palestinian right of return.

In response to these developments, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres defended the agency, describing UNRWA as ‘indispensable and irreplaceable’ and calling for sustained political and financial support.

## Claims

- Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated the Board of Peace decision aligns with the Israeli position to end UNRWA operations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Board of Peace stated it will only work with partners who contribute to a deradicalized Gaza Strip. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Board of Peace claimed UNRWA fails to meet its requirements for partnership. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Reports indicate Board of Peace members have shown more willingness to work with UNRWA privately than publicly. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Hamas condemns Board of Peace decision to exclude UNRWA from Gaza

Hamas condemned the Board of Peace for refusing to work with UNRWA in Gaza, accusing the decision of aligning with Israeli interests to end the agency's humanitarian operations.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hamas-condemns-board-of-peace-decision-to-exclude-unrwa-from-gaza

### 2026-09-26: Palestinian groups warn of risks to refugee cause following Peace Council remarks on UNRWA

Palestinian groups warn that the Peace Council’s criticism of UNRWA threatens the political status of the refugee cause and aligns with efforts to dismantle the agency's mandate.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palestinian-groups-warn-of-risks-to-refugee-cause-following-peace-council-remarks-on-unrwa

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Cite as: Dispute over UNRWA status and Peace Council cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dispute-over-unrwa-status-and-peace-council-cooperation