Jerusalem bureau chief for The New York Times, Patrick Kingsley, discusses the explosive allegation that workers from a U.N. relief agency in Gaza took part in attacks, leading to the suspension of major donor funding. The podcast explores the potential impacts on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel's war strategy, as well as the complicated relationship between UNRWA, Hamas, and Israel. It also delves into the controversy surrounding the aid organization Amra and the funding cuts faced by UNRWA.
The allegations against UNRA jeopardize crucial funding for aid distribution and shelter provision in Gaza.
The accusations of UNRA's affiliation with Hamas diminish its perceived neutrality and humanitarian mission, complicating the situation in Gaza.
Deep dives
Allegations against UN Relief Agency in Gaza
The main UN relief agency in Gaza, known as UNRA, is facing allegations that roughly a dozen employees participated in the October 7 attack. This revelation has prompted major donors, including the US, to suspend funding. The allegations have serious implications for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and complicate Israel's strategy in the war. The situation in Gaza has worsened with disease, hunger, and displacement, and the allegations against UNRA have further intensified the crisis.
Impact on UNRA and Funding Suspension
Following the allegations, UNRA's head, Philip Dazzarini, fired nine employees and announced the suspensions publicly. The US and other countries, including Germany, Canada, and Japan, suspended funding pending further investigation. If funding is not restored by the end of February, UNRA will struggle to operate, severely impacting aid distribution and shelter provision for over a million people. The suspension of funding also comes at a critical time when famine is looming in parts of Gaza and the majority of buildings are damaged or destroyed.
Complex Relationship Between UNRA and Hamas
UNRA's relationship with Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza, is a source of controversy. While UNRA denies any direct affiliation with Hamas, Israeli officials claim that approximately 10% of UNRA's staff in Gaza are affiliated with or members of Hamas. The accusation that UNRA operates under Hamas' influence undermines its perceived neutrality and humanitarian mission. The allegations against UNRA have both practical and perception consequences for Israel, the US, and other funders, as they navigate the delicate balance between aiding the humanitarian crisis and distancing themselves from Hamas.
Late last month, an explosive allegation that workers from a crucial U.N. relief agency in Gaza had taken part in the Oct. 7 attacks stunned the world and prompted major donors, including the United States, to suspend funding. Patrick Kingsley, the Jerusalem bureau chief for The Times, explains what this could mean for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and how it might complicate Israel’s strategy in the war.
Guest: Patrick Kingsley, the Jerusalem bureau chief for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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