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Monday, February 09, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "UNRWA" (18 articles)

Gulf Times
Region

West Bank facing worst humanitarian crisis since 1967: UNRWA

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned that the West Bank is experiencing its worst humanitarian crisis since 1967.The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) quoted UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini as saying that, one year after the start of the Israeli military operation dubbed "Iron Wall," 33,000 people remain forcibly displaced from Palestinian refugee camps in the northern West Bank. In a post on X platform, Lazzarini stated that the occupied West Bank is witnessing its most severe humanitarian crisis since 1967 as a result of Israeli attacks on refugee camps and the forced displacement of tens of thousands of residents. He added that Israeli occupation forces continue to demolish large areas of the camps, further diminishing the prospects for recovery in these communities. He noted that UNRWA teams are working on the ground to assist recently displaced Palestinian refugees who have been pushed deeper into poverty, amid a lack of viable alternatives for accessing healthcare, education, and social services. Lazzarini stressed that while UNRWA continues to operate, sustaining its work requires ongoing political and financial support from member states.

Gulf Times
Region

Seven European countries condemn Israeli Occupation legislation targeting UNRWA

Slovenia, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, and Spain have condemned recent Israeli legislation targeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), including measures to cut water, electricity, and communications to its facilities.In a joint statement issued on Monday, the seven countries stated that measures undermine the mandate of the United Nations, violate international law, and contravene rulings of the International Court of Justice. They warned that such actions could lead to severe humanitarian consequences for Palestinian civilians and refugees.The seven states called on the Israeli occupation government to ensure the continued ability of accredited international non-governmental organizations to operate in the Gaza Strip, and to halt any moves to deregister them. They stressed that these organizations are an essential component of humanitarian service delivery, particularly health services, in Gaza and the West Bank.The statement noted that the work of the United Nations, especially UNRWA, in cooperation with humanitarian and non-governmental organizations, is vital to addressing the acute humanitarian crisis and providing life-saving assistance and basic services to civilians in Gaza, the occupied Palestinian territories, and surrounding areas.It also emphasized the importance of ensuring full and safe access for humanitarian aid, enabling the continued operations of the United Nations and its partners in accordance with international humanitarian law and international legal obligations, while underscoring that respect for the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and for international humanitarian law is fundamental and indispensable.Earlier this January, the United Nations condemned a decision by the Israeli Knesset issued on December 29 to halt UNRWA's activities, stating that the law and its amendments contradict the agency's international legal status and must be immediately repealed.

Gulf Times
Region

UNRWA: Around 235,000 people in Gaza affected by Storm Byron

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on Monday that approximately 235,000 people in the Gaza Strip were affected by Storm Byron, which caused buildings to collapse and damage to tents between Dec. 10-17. In a post on its official X account, UNRW affirmed that months of war and displacement have forced people in Gaza to live among unstable rubble, temporary shelters or worn-out tents. It described Storm Byron, which struck the Gaza Strip on Dec. 10, as "a natural disaster, but its consequences were man-made," referring to the exacerbation of the damage due to widespread destruction and the lack of safe shelters following Israel's ongoing genocide. According to UNRWA, at least 17 buildings collapsed, and more than 42,000 tents or temporary shelters were completely or partially damaged, affecting at least 235,000 people," according to the Gaza Shelter Cluster, which includes UN agencies and NGOs. Since the onset of severe weather systems in Gaza earlier this month, 18 people, including four children, have died, and nearly 90 percent of the shelters housing displaced people whose homes were destroyed by Israel have been flooded.

Gulf Times
Region

UNRWA: thousands of displaced people in Gaza struggling to find safe shelter

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said Wednesday that thousands of displaced people in the Gaza Strip are struggling to find safe shelter in preparation for the approaching cold weather, amid the ongoing aftermath of the Israeli entity's two-year war on the Strip."Thousands of internally displaced people in the Gaza Strip are struggling to find safe shelter in preparation for the coming cold weather," the agency said in a post on X."People have no choice but to create makeshift tents. More shelter supplies are needed," UNRWA added.The agency also said that more than 79,000 displaced persons live in the 85 shelters that UNRWA manages.Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric warned yesterday that many families in Gaza are living in poorly equipped shelters, prone to flooding, adding that this inevitably leaves people highly vulnerable to inclement weather. 

Gulf Times
Region

UNRWA shelters in Gaza overwhelmed as 75,000 displaced people seek refuge

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that approximately 75,000 displaced people in the Gaza Strip are currently sheltering in more than 100 of its facilities, despite most of them being damaged by Israeli bombardment and overcrowded.In a post on its X platform, UNRWA said humanitarian conditions in these shelters have become extremely dire, with acute shortages of water, food, and basic supplies.It also warned of a deteriorating health situation and the spread of diseases due to overcrowding and poor sanitation.UNRWA affirmed that its teams continue to operate despite limited resources to provide urgent assistance to the displaced, calling on the international community to take immediate action to ensure the protection of civilians and improve the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.It also noted that 90% of Gaza's population suffers from malnutrition.Since the outbreak of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, UNRWA has faced the biggest humanitarian crisis in its history, as its schools and health facilities have turned into temporary shelters housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people, amid widespread destruction and the collapse of basic services.

Gulf Times
Region

UNRWA operating over 70 shelters housing thousands of displaced people in Gaza

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has confirmed that it is currently operating more than 70 shelters across the Gaza Strip, housing tens of thousands of forcibly displaced people.In a statement on Sunday, the Agency noted widespread destruction throughout the territory, including unstable structures and unexploded ordnance. It stressed that its teams continue working tirelessly to keep the shelters operational and to help children continue learning and playing.UNRWA also reported that more than 25,000 Palestinian children have joined the agency’s temporary learning spaces, either in person or online, with plans underway to expand the number of these facilities.The Agency further stated that it provides online lessons for around 300,000 children in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that literacy and education serve as vital tools to combat despair and psychological trauma — made possible through the dedication of thousands of UNRWA teachers.

Gulf Times
Region

UNRWA says over 25,000 Palestinian children join temporary learning spaces

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed that more than 25,000 Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip have joined the temporary learning spaces established by the agency.UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that with the ceasefire in place, the agency is stepping up its “Back to Learning” program in Gaza, both in person and online. He emphasized that UNRWA will continue to expand the number of these learning locations.Lazzarini added that the agency is also providing online classes aimed at reaching approximately 300,000 children in the Gaza Strip.“Literacy and education are an antidote to despair and trauma,” Lazzarini posted on his official X account, noting that none of this would be possible without the dedication of thousands of UNRWA teachers.

Gulf Times
International

UNRWA says Israel is conducting destructive operations in northern West Bank

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) stated that Israeli occupying forces are carrying out destruction operations in the northern West Bank, forcing citizens to undergo forced displacement from their homes. In a statement issued Wednesday, UNRWA confirmed that the refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams have been evacuated, and their residents have been prevented from returning. The agency pointed out that settler violence and the expansion of settlements have led to the forcible displacement of Palestinians from their land, warning that these actions pave the way for annexation operations. UNRWA further added that Israeli laws targeting the agency have led to the closure of UN schools in the West Bank and the expulsion of international staff from their positions.

Gulf Times
Region

UNRWA says more than 8,000 teachers in Gaza ready to help children resume learning

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that more than 8,000 of its teachers in the Gaza Strip are ready to assist in helping children to return to learning and resume their education. In a statement posted on its official account, UNRWA stressed that it is the largest humanitarian organization operating in the Gaza Strip and must be allowed to carry out its duties without obstacles. It affirmed that the children of Gaza have been deprived of education for far too long, stressing the need to enable them to return to school as soon as possible. The Israeli aggression has severely impacted all service sectors in the Gaza Strip, including the education sector. Over 785,000 students have been deprived of their right to education, with the war destroying approximately 95 percent of educational institutions.

Gulf Times
Region

UNRWA unable to bring in humanitarian supplies into Gaza Strip

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) spokesperson Adnan Abu Hasna said that UNRWA has been unable to bring in any of the humanitarian supplies allocated to the Gaza Strip, despite the ceasefire coming into effect days before. Abu Hasna stressed that UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian work within the Gaza Strip and must lead the response there. He added that excluding UNRWA from humanitarian efforts in Gaza means the collapse of this process, as well as people's lack of trust in it. He explained that UNRWA employees continue to carry out their work despite the difficulties, but they have been prevented by the Israeli occupation from distributing food aid. Until now, Israel has not allowed UNRWA to bring in food and non-food aid, which is contained in 6,000 trucks waiting at the gates of the Gaza Strip. These trucks contain food supplies sufficient for the residents of the Gaza Strip for three months, he added. UNRWA also has hundreds of thousands of blankets, tents and clothes, as well as large quantities of medicine, Abu Hasna added. He stressed that these items must enter so that the agency can truly confront the harsh and dangerous conditions in the Strip, which are still deteriorating now. The war has stopped, the shooting has stopped, but unfortunately there are new aspects to this war, which is the continuation of the suffering, Abu Hasna stressed.

Gulf Times
International

UNRWA says it is time to allow widespread aid into Gaza Strip

Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini said that it is time to allow widespread humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip. Lazzarini said via X platform that the exchange of prisoners and detainees, as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, "sheds some light of hope after more than 2 years of total darkness." "It is time to build a future of peace through healing, justice and mutual recognition. Time to let in humanitarian aid at scale, including through UNRWA," he added.

Gulf Times
International

UNRWA says children's education must be part of any agreement to end the Gaza war

The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, stressed that educating children in Gaza must be part of any agreement to end the war in the Strip. Lazzarini said on X platform, "The education of children must be part of any agreement to end the war in Gaza. The proposed plan must offer some hope to more than 660,000 children out of school for the third year." "Bringing them back to learning should be a collective priority to promote lasting peace and stability," he added. "With its unique workforce, UNRWA has the expertise, the infrastructure and the know-how to support a phased return to formal education of children in the war-torn enclave once a ceasefire is in place." Lazzarini explained that before the war, UNRWA provided education in its schools to more than 300,000 children. He called on member states to support UNRWA in safeguarding its mandate and work so that it can continue to make a tangible difference in the lives and futures of Palestinian children. "Without education, children risk falling prey into the cycle of exploitation or extremism," he added. Lazzarini concluded his statement by reaffirming the need for a "ceasefire now." The US President announced a plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip through a comprehensive agreement that guarantees the uninterrupted delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to the Strip, the prevention of the displacement of Palestinians, the release of hostages, the establishment of a security mechanism that guarantees the security of all parties, a full Israeli withdrawal, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the establishment of a just peace process based on the two-state solution, under which Gaza will be fully united with the West Bank in a Palestinian state in accordance with international law, as this is the key to achieving regional stability and security.