Board of Peace rules UNRWA out of Gaza reconstruction plan

The United States‑led Board of Peace (BoP) announced that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) will have no role in Gaza’s reconstruction, echoing long‑standing Israeli calls to sideline the agency.

In a post on X on Friday, the BoP said it will work only with “trusted partners” that meet its “litmus tests” for reliability and deradicalisation, stating that UNRWA does not satisfy those criteria. The board’s stance was reiterated as it unveiled a $2.4 billion, 66‑project blueprint for Gaza’s recovery on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Although BoP officials have met UNRWA representatives, a spokesperson told the Associated Press that the agency’s programmes could continue only if they serve Gaza’s residents well, adding that “UNRWA’s days are over.” The agency, founded in 1949, employs about 11,000 Palestinian staff in Gaza and provides health, education, water and sanitation services.

UNRWA response

Acting Commissioner‑General Christian Saunders warned that disregarding UNRWA’s capabilities at a time of “profound need” is “neither logical nor responsible.” Former UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini cautioned that removing the agency could have a “devastating” impact on the Palestinian population.

The BoP, launched earlier this year by former US President Donald Trump, is tasked with overseeing the ceasefire and reconstruction of Gaza following nearly three years of conflict, while key elements of the ceasefire – Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament – remain stalled.

Source: Al Jazeera. Photo: ali Saleh / Pexels.