{"id":296216,"date":"2024-05-23T10:17:57","date_gmt":"2024-05-23T14:17:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/?post_type=document&#038;p=296216"},"modified":"2024-05-24T10:24:44","modified_gmt":"2024-05-24T14:24:44","slug":"unrwa-claims-vs-facts-may-2024-23may24","status":"publish","type":"document","link":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/unrwa-claims-vs-facts-may-2024-23may24\/","title":{"rendered":"Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA: Claims versus Facts &#8211; Factsheet"},"content":{"rendered":"<p role=\"document\" aria-hidden=\"true\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\">23 May 2024<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\" data-ccp-charstyle-defn=\"{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;1673b68a-57cc-4d7f-96d7-26eb6feea8ae|237&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[469775450,&quot;eop&quot;,201340122,&quot;1&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;eop&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469778324,&quot;Default Paragraph Font&quot;]}\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0has long\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">faced<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0misinformation<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">disinformation,<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">including\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">about<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0its staff<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">and operations. This has intensified since the war in Gaza began on 7 October.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">This document\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">outlines\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u2019s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0position<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u2014<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">based on<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">objective<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">, ascertainable\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">facts, data<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">firsthand<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0information<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u2014<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">on<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0some of the most frequent<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0claims<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0and allegations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0made<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0against the Agency<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0in the media and social media by\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">various<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0individuals, organizations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">, public and private entities<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel-display panel-3col-33-stacked clearfix\">\n<div class=\"panel-panel panel-col-top\">\n<div class=\"inside\">\n<div class=\"panel-pane pane-node-content\">\n<div class=\"pane-content\">\n<div class=\"ds-1col node node-basic-page view-mode-full clearfix\">\n<div class=\"field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden\">\n<div class=\"field-items\">\n<div class=\"field-item even\">\n<h3 class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><strong>Background<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">On 17 January, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA Commissioner-General announced\u00a0<\/span>his intention to commission an independent review to identify and assess the adequacy and implementation of the Agency\u2019s mechanisms and procedures to ensure neutrality. On 5 February, the Secretary-General appointed a Review Group, headed by Catherine Colonna, former French Minister of Foreign Affairs, to \u201cassess whether the Agency is doing everything within its power to ensure neutrality and to respond to allegations of serious breaches when they are made.\u201d For more information on the terms of reference of the review,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/statement-secretary-general-%E2%80%93-unrwa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\"><em><strong>click here<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/span><\/a><strong><em><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">On 26 January, in response to\u00a0<\/span>allegations received orally from Israeli officials regarding the alleged involvement of 12 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff in the 7 October attack against Israel, and upon ascertaining that the individuals were indeed Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff members, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA Commissioner-General decided to immediately terminate the appointments of these staff \u201cin the interest of the Agency,\u201d in accordance with applicable staff regulations, in order to protect its ability to deliver humanitarian assistance. This decision was communicated through a\u00a0<strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/serious-allegations-against-unrwa-staff-gaza-strip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">statement<\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">A<\/span>t the request of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretary-General, the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the highest investigative body in the United Nations, launched an investigation into these specific allegations. The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretary-General requested in interim report within four weeks of OIOS starting work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">On 27 January, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA Commissioner<\/span>-General issued another\u00a0<strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/unrwa%E2%80%99s-lifesaving-aid-may-end-due-funding-suspension\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">statement<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in response to several donor\u00a0<\/span>countries suspending, pausing, or temporarily freezing funding to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><strong>Claims Vs. Facts\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">C<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">laim<\/span>:<\/strong>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Citing alleged intelligence estimates,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">several media have relayed claims<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0that\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">a<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">round 10<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">%<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">all<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">staff<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0in Gaza<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, or about 1,200 people, have links to Hamas or\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Palestinian Islamic Jihad<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">F<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acts:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA has not received any information<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, let alone any\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">evidence, from<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the Israeli Authorities\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">or\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">any\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">other Member State\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">about the above claim<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u202fÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA became\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">aware of<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0this claim first from international media and later from a press briefing by an Israeli\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">government\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">official.\u202f\u00a0<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Like any other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ organization, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">carries out<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0detailed reference checks on any staff the Agency recruits.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">In addition, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA shares the names,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">employee\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">numbers, and functions of all staff\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">members\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">every year in all five areas of operations with the host authorities (Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and the Palestinian Authority) and, for the West Bank,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0including<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0East Jerusalem, and Gaza, with Israel as the occupying power.\u202f<\/span>\u202f<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">This\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">means that at all times<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">, host states and Israel are fully informed and aware of the details of all staff members working for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States also<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0receive<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0these lists upon request.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">The names of the<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a012<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0individuals against whom allegations were made were all shared multiple times with Israel<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0and other Member States<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Prior to January 2024, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA did not receive any\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">indication<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0from the relevant authorities of any involvement of its staff in armed\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">or\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">militant\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">groups<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0In addition, the Agency screens\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">its\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">staff on a biannual basis against the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">C<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">laim<\/span>:<\/strong>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Israeli officials have\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">stated that \u201cÄ¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s problem is not just \u2018a few bad apples\u2019 involved in the October 7 massacre,\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">and that the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u201cinstitution as a whole is a haven for Hamas\u2019 radical ideology.\u201d<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">F<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acts<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">:<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA has<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0more than\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">30,000 staff<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0across the region<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, including 13,000 in Gaza,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the majority of<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0them Palestinian.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA takes<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0seriously\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">its\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">responsibility to ensure that\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">its<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0operations and staff adhere to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ values and core humanitarian principles<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA has always taken\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">very seriously\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">any allegation\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">regarding<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">staff misconduct<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0\u2013<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">including\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">allegations of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">neutrality\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">breaches<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0The Agency takes\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">swift<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0action<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0when<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ever<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0any staff<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0member<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">is<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0found to have\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acted<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0in contravention of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">its<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0regulatory framework<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0range of disciplinary\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">sanctions applied<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0include<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, often in combination<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">fines<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">. suspension from duty,<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\" data-ccp-parastyle-defn=\"{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;1673b68a-57cc-4d7f-96d7-26eb6feea8ae|235&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[469775450,&quot;paragraph&quot;,201340122,&quot;2&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;paragraph&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469777841,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469777842,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469777843,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469777844,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,469769226,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,268442635,&quot;24&quot;,335559740,&quot;240&quot;,201341983,&quot;0&quot;,134233118,&quot;true&quot;,134233117,&quot;true&quot;,469778324,&quot;Normal&quot;]}\">\u00a0demotion<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0up to termination of employment.\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><u><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">S<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ince 2022<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">66<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0investigations<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">out of 3<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,000\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">staff<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">across<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0not just in Gaza<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0looked\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">at a range of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">alleged related<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0to neutrality breaches<\/span><\/span><\/u><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">, including<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">alleged\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">support for Hamas and other groups<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0Some of these investigations are still ongoing.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Sixty-<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">six<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0cases out of 3<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,000 staff<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0\u2013 not all of which have been substanti<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">ated<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u2013 is just\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">0.22<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">%. There<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0is absolutely no ground for a blanket description of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u201cthe institution as a whole\u201d\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">being<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0\u201ctotally infiltrated.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Rather,<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0the small<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0percentage<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">underscores\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">that\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">the<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">absolutely<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0overwhelming<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0majority of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s highly dedicated staff adhere to the principles to which they commit when they join the Agency.<\/span>\u202f<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">In any event, as\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">indicated<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0previously, the matter is now under assessment by the Review Group appointed by the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Secretary-General, whose findings are expected to be released by April 2024.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">In addition, staff\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">members\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">receive regular reminders and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">take\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">mandatory\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">training<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">s<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">to ensure they understand and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">abide by\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ standards of conduct for International Civil Servants<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">. These<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0includ<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">e<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0that any political activity must be consistent with, and not reflect adversely upon, the independence and impartiality required by serving the United Nations, and that support for violence and hatred in any form runs counter to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ values and is unacceptable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The Claim<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Several media have relayed claims that\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Israel has documented deepening ties between Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA and Hamas<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, the de facto authorities in the Gaza Strip,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0since 2007.<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">F<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acts<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0As elsewhere\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">a<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">round the world,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ works in complex environments, including in areas under the control of a de facto government or\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">armed groups<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ engages with all parties to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">facilit<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">ate<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">delivery of services and humanitarian\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0\u2013<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">that&#8217;s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0a standard.\u00a0<\/span>\u202f<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">In the Gaza\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Strip<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">engage<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">ment<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0with<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0the de facto authorities<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">takes place solely at an<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">operational<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0level\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">with the exclus<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">ive purpose of delivering<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0humanitarian aid and ensu<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">ring<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0the safety of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">our<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0staff<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">Since Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">operating<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">\u00a0in a conflict environment in Gaza, it<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">s<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0activities need to be coordinated and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u201c<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">deconflicted<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0with all relevant\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">parties\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">enable\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">the implementation of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">its\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">humanitarian mandate.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">The Agency is<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">thus\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">constantly in contact with the Israeli\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">a<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">uthorities and with the de facto authorities<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0simultaneously<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0to inform<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0them<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0about our movements and operations.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\"><strong>The Claim:<\/strong>\u00a0Aid from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA keeps\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">getting diverted by Hamas<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"eop\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Facts:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is not aware of<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and has received no specific allegations\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">regarding<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0any systemic diversion of aid in Gaza by Hamas or other armed groups. Should it be revealed to be the case, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA will strongly condemn any diversion of humanitarian supplies and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">immediately<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0inform its donors to determine\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">appropriate next<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0steps.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Across the world\u2019s conflict zones, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ works in complex environments, including in areas under the control of de facto governments or non-State armed actors, to deliver humanitarian aid<\/span>, and has extensive experience in delivering aid in accordance with humanitarian principles, including neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence, and mitigating the risk of diversion of aid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s d<\/span>istribution of aid is implemented through a robust system of oversight and checks:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li role=\"listitem\" data-aria-level=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-listid=\"6\">\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0<\/span>uses a direct implementation modality (no intermediaries) which means that the Agency has full control of the supply chain from receiving the goods at the crossing points of Gaza to bringing them to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA warehouses and distribution points, where aid is delivered directly to registered beneficiaries, checked against a pre-established list, and according to needs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li role=\"listitem\" data-aria-level=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-listid=\"6\">\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">All movements of aid (including fuel) from point of departure to point of arrival inside Gaza are coordinated<\/span>\u00a0with and notified to the parties, including the Israeli authorities, to \u201cdeconflict\u201d, or ensure the safe passage of the aid convoy\u2019s movements and ensure safety of humanitarian workers. The convoys are also escorted and monitored by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ security personnel. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is currently working with other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Agencies to establish common warehousing for materials brought into Gaza, which will improve overall monitoring and security of the goods.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li role=\"listitem\" data-aria-level=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-listid=\"6\">\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA takes measures to ensure that it has no financial ties with any individual or organization on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Security Council Consolidated Sanctions List. During periods of escalation, we have emergency screening procedures to ensure the provision of aid in an effective manner<\/span>, such as rapid screening of new vendors. Subcontractors and implementing partners are also vetted.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li role=\"listitem\" data-aria-level=\"1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-listid=\"6\">\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0<\/span>operates in five fields:\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the West Bank<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">&#8211; including\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">East Jerusalem, and Gaza. It shares\u00a0<\/span>full lists of staff members, including functions, names, and IDs, with all the host authorities and, for the West Bank and Gaza, with Israel, every year.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The Claim<\/span><\/strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"><strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>Hamas<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0has stored<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0weapons in<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0schools<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0and dug tunnels under Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA buildings, but the Agency has<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0done little<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0to stop this<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">F<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acts<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">S<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ince the mid-2000s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, during conflicts in Gaza,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0there<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0have been<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0instances when armed actors from both sides\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">have violated<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">neutrality\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA sites, which are protected\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">by international law. They<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0have, for example,<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">enter<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ed\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">buildings or\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">used them for mil<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">i<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">tary purposes<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">has<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0system<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">atically<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0condemned<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0such violations of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ premises<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">See an example<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/press-releases\/unrwa-condemns-placement-rockets-second-time-one-its-schools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">here<\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">\u00a0from 2014 of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0condemn<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ing\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the placement of rockets inside its schools<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Every time that<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA has discovered<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0that the neutrality of its facilities ha<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0been compromised by third parties, including being used by armed groups in Gaza to cache munitions<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, it\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">has protested to de facto authorities in Gaza, condemning the fact that these weapon components had been stored at a Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ facility, in breach of their inviolability under Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Privileges and Immunities. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA also\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">immediately<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0informs the Palestinian Authority and Israel as well as its main donors<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Moreover, in its annual reports to the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">General Assembly, the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Commissioner-General has also consistently reported and described any such instances. These reports are shared with all Member States<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0of the United Nations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">When suspected tunnels are discovered under Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA facilities, the Agency follows a similar protocol to the one used when it has discovered that its installations were being used to cache munitions. This includes sealing cavities by injecting cement whenever discovered,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">immediately<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0informing the Palestinian Authority and Israel as well as its main\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">donors and<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0reporting to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly. When cavities under buildings or our grounds have been\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">identified<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the Agency has<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0also put out public statements\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u2013<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0you can find an example from 2022\u00a0<\/span><\/span><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/unrwa-strongly-condemns-neutrality-breach-against-agency-gaza\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">E<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">nsuring that its facilities are not\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">utilized<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0for any purpose\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">other\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">than the provision of services by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA to Palestine refugees<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0is critical for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s operations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The Agency<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0dedicates significant resources to<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0regula<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">rly<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">assess<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0its facilities<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, including<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0to ensure neutrality. This means not only that there is no misuse of its facilities<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, but also<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0ensuring that installations are clearly marked as Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ facilities, that\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">signs\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">about them being weapons-free areas are present at entrances, and that the internal and external walls are free of any messaging that is political or in any way places the neutrality of the installation into question.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">This is done<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0via\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">quarterly assessments<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0by specially trained staff<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">all\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">of<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u2019s almost 1,000 facilities<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0across its five fields of operation<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">: Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the West Bank<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u2014including<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0East Jerusalem, and Gaza.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">These assessments review adherence to neutrality and the level to which Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA installations\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">are able to<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0provide safe, inclusive,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">accessible,<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0and dignified services to Palestine refugees. During each of the second and third quarters of 2023 for example, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA assessed 99<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">%<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0of active Agency installations.<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0The assessment of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">all\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Gaza installations was completed in September 2023.<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0There is also a system of follow-up in place to ensure that issues\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">identified<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0are addressed in a consistent manner.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">A<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ctive conflict<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0and insecurity can significantly\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">impact<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the ability of the Agency to conduct these assessments<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">also<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0train<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">s<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0all staff<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">on\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0humanitarian principles, including neutrality, and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">provides dedicated training to managers of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA installations<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">C<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">laim<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA schools<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0in the oPt<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">, which use textbooks approved by the Palestinian Authority,<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">have us<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">ed<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0materials that glorify terrorists and promote hatred of Israel.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">The\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">F<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">acts<\/span><\/span>:<\/strong>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA uses host government textbooks, in line with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ best practice for providing quality education in refugee settings.<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0reviews all textbooks used in its schools to identify sections that may not be in line with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ values and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO standards for teaching.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">has zero<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0tolerance\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">for\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">hate speech and incitement to discrimination, or violence.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Independent analysts<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0and international education experts<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0have<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0vouched\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">for<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0quality and content of\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">education that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA provides in its\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">schools.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Using\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">host\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">country curriculums in refugee situations<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0is standard for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ around the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">It is\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">considered a best practice\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">that helps\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">ensure that<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">students can matriculate into host country educational systems at any level and more broadly\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">participate<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0in the social and economic life of the host country. This is particularly relevant for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA as our school system ends after grade 9<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">except<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0in<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0Lebanon<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">,<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and students transition to local schools for upper secondary, then university.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0enriches the curriculum it uses by adding a unique\u00a0programme\u00a0on Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Tolerance,\u00a0and\u00a0has also\u00a0established\u00a0school parliaments\u00a0run by students\u00a0in every\u00a0institution.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA teachers are trained\u00a0<\/span>to address any problematic content in the classroom, using guidance documents developed by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA headquarters. The teachers are required to and accountable for following this approach. When it comes to Palestinian Authority textbooks, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA refers systematically to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ positions on issues such as the occupation, borders, the wall, and others. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is not in a position to\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0nor it is mandated to<\/span>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">\u2013<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0reconcile the Israeli and Palestinian\u00a0<\/span>narratives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Thousands of self-learning materials<\/span>\u00a0produced in-house to support distance learning have also been reviewed through a robust three-tier review process and uploaded on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s Digital Learning Platform. Teachers are regularly reminded that only material uploaded on the platform can be used. Meanwhile Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is progressing with digitalization of its education. It includes a gradual transition to digital teaching learning material which will be uploaded on the platform and become the sole source of materials to be used by students and teachers in the classroom, at home and remotely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition, an<\/span>\u00a0Education Expert Advisory Group, composed of globally recognized experts representing renowned institutions such as Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO and the World Bank among others, advises Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA on its digital transition as well as curriculum related matters more broadly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Internationally recognized outside evaluations \u2013 including a<\/span>\u00a0<a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/documents1.worldbank.org\/curated\/en\/159281614191477048\/pdf\/The-Global-Cost-of-Inclusive-Refugee-Education.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><em><strong>2021 World Bank-Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR study<\/strong><\/em><\/span>\u00a0<\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2013 empirically\u00a0<\/span>demonstrated that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s educational outcomes are among the best in the region and at the lowest cost per student. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s students in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jordan \u201cscored an average of a quarter of a standard deviation higher in international assessments than public school children, implying an advantage of almost a year of learning.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Regarding the textbooks produced by the Palestinian Authority, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0own stance on these materials closely aligns with the\u00a0<a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gei.de\/en\/research\/projects\/report-on-palestinian-textbooks-paltex\/faq-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\"><strong><em>Georg<\/em> Eckert <em>Institute\u2019s<\/em> findings<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in the study commissioned by the European Commission and published in 2021.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Claim:<\/strong>\u00a0A 2019 U.S. Government Accountability Office report allegedly said that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA has not always implemented measures to address problematic content in school textbooks.\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Facts:<\/strong>\u00a0The 2019 report reaffirmed Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s unwavering commitment to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ values, and, where there was need for better implementation, this was done \u2013 you can find our statement about this\u00a0<\/span><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/newsroom\/official-statements\/american-government-accountability-office-report-affirms-unrwa%E2%80%99s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><em>.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA undertakes regular and meticulous review of all textbooks and learning materials used in the schools to ensure their compatibility with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ values and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO standards, promoting educational excellence and reinforcing tolerance and human rights. \u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Claim<\/strong>: Members of a Telegram group of 3,000 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA teachers allegedly supported violence, including in the 7 October attacks against Israel, and there have been similar cases in the past involving Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Facts: <\/strong>The most recent claims, made by the organization Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Watch in January 2024 refer to exchanges found on an open Telegram chat that was not set-up, nor authorized, nor managed by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA. The use of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA logo on this Telegram group has not been authorized.<\/span><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">Due to the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">n<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">ature of Telegram, it is impossible to verify the allegation that all members of this group are Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA employees<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">The group\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">seems to be<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">\u00a0formed around job seeking, so it is unlikely that its members are all Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff (already employed by the Agency)<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Previous<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0claims by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Watch and other organizations about the behavior of individuals have often misidentified as Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff the people allegedly involved. For example, in various claims made since 2022, concerning a total of 129 people, more than half turned out not to be Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA personnel.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Of the 30 people named as Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA staff in a report about this Telegram group, only 18 could be\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">properly reviewed<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0as the other 12 provided only first names or nicknames. From the 18, it has been confirmed that three do not work for the Agency and six have so far been inconclusive, requiring further review. The remaining nine may be active personnel. These cases have been referred to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA investigation department,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">in accordance with<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0the Agency\u2019s procedures.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA, like all Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Agencies, has a system in place to investigate allegations and disciplinary action is taken in all substantiated cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Claim:\u00a0<\/strong>Rather than being part of the solution, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA perpetuates the refugee problem, including by reminding Palestine refugees of their history and telling them their home is in Israel.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Facts:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">When the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly created Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA by passing a\u00a0<\/span><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/what-mandate-unrwa-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">resolution<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">\u00a0in 1949, it did not mandate the Agency to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict nor the Palestine refugee\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">issue or<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">\u00a0find durable solutions for refugees.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">Rather, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA was set up as temporary organization\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">to carry out \u201cdirect relief and works\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">programmes<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u201d for Palestine refugees. In 1952, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly explicitly tasked Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA to serve any person whose &#8220;normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA has a humanitarian and development mandate, repeatedly renewed by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly, to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">provide assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and protection to Palestine refugees pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. This is done by delivering essential public services, primarily basic education, health care, relief and social services, microcredit, and emergency\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">, including in situations of armed conflict.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The fact that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is still in place 75 years later is not a choice by the Agency but the result of a collective failure by Member States to resolve a political problem.<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Protracted refugee situations are the result of the failure to find political solutions to underlying political crises \u2013 sometimes leading refugees to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">retain<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0their status across generations. Meanwhile, the international community has continued to support Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA and recognizes the role it plays in addressing human development issues and the long-term impacts of conflict.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Palestine refugees do not get special treatment compared to other refugees. Under international law, refugees and their descendants may\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">retain<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0their status until a durable solution is found to the situation that made the population into refugees in the first place.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0In this sense, Palestine\u00a0<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">r<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">efugees are no different from other people in protracted refugee situations.<\/span>\u00a0<em><strong><a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/global-issues\/refugees\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">As\u00a0stated\u00a0by the United Nations<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">, this principle applies to all refugees and both Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR have recognized descendants as refugees on this basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Furthermore, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly in 1949 adopted a\u00a0<\/span><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/content\/resolution-194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">resolution<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0stating that<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0\u201crefugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">neighbours<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">This is not an Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA position, this is a Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and a Member State position.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">In addition, Palestine refugees, like all other refugees globally, have a right to learn about their history, including their\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">displacement<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA does not intend to \u2013 nor does it have a mandate to \u2013 reconcile Israeli and Palestinian narratives<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">What Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA teaches in its schools is in line with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ positions on the conflict.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"><strong>The Claim:\u00a0<\/strong>Other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ agencies deliver humanitarian\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0in crisis zones across the globe. They would be better placed to do Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s job.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Facts:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA directly manages critical public-like services (schools, health centers, social protection) in its 5 areas of operations, relaying on a staff corps of 30,000 people, most of them Palestine refugees, thus serving their own communities.\u00a0<\/span><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s established infrastructure and its cost-effectiveness \u2013 especially as\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the majority of<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0its staff are part of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA Area Staff (national) category, with salaries pegged to public sector comparators) \u2013 have\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">no equivalent elsewhere in the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">. This means that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA Area Staff are paid on average between 40% and 70% less than other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ locally recruited staff,<\/span><\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0as the comparators used for their salary scales are the host governments in the countries and areas of operations where Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA works.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">In addition, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA responds to emergency situations, such as in Gaza today, using its staff, community acceptance and knowledge, and their longstanding experience gained over several conflicts and crises. With over 2 million people in dire need of life-saving humanitarian\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0in Gaza, no other Agency\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">is able to<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0respond at the scale needed at present. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA has 13,000 staff and over 300 installations in Gaza, far surpassing the capacity of all other humanitarian actors. The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Secretary-General has called Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA the backbone of the humanitarian response there. Other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Agencies and international NGOs have recognized the irreplaceable role of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA in Gaza, and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">publicly announced<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0their support for the Agency.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">For example, even if another agency supplies vaccines, it is Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA medical staff that get those vaccines into the arms of children at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA clinics. So, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is an essential link in the chain. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s main activity is education.\u00a0<\/span><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/sites\/default\/files\/content\/resources\/unrwa_in_action_2023_eng.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><strong>With 709 schools and some\u00a0<\/strong><strong>543,000 students<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"><em>\u00a0<\/em>across its five areas of operations, there is no easy substitute, not even at government level, for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">work<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">It was hoped that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA local staff) would be folded into Palestinian public institutions once a political solution was reached. This is why also their salary scales are aligned to those entities in the public services where they work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">Other Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ agencies have around 220 staff combined between\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">international<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0and national, and th<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">ey do not have the same public service roles.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>The Claim:<\/strong>\u00a0Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR is mandated to resettle refugees and solve refugee issues. It could take over Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s job.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Facts:<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly established Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA in 1949 and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR in 1950, providing them each with distinct mandates to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">assist<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0and protect refugees.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">These decisions are enshrined in the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assem<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">bly<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/what-mandate-unrwa-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">resolution<\/span><\/a><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"cf01\">\u00a0that created Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA in 1949 and has been renewed ever since,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">the\u00a0<\/span><\/span><a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/sites\/default\/files\/legacy-pdf\/3b66c39e1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\"><strong><em>Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR Statute<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/a><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">, which was also adopted by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly, and the\u00a0<\/span><strong><em><a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/about-unhcr\/who-we-are\/1951-refugee-convention\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">1951 Refugee Convention<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">,<\/span><\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0which is an international treaty.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">Neither Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA nor Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR can unilaterally change their mandates<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR have very distinct functions. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is a direct service provider. At the core of these services are education and health. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA provides public-like services.\u202f\u202f<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR does not have a mandate over Palestine refugees within the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA areas of operations.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">However, in certain circumstances, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR has a mandate\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">regarding<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"paragraph\">\u00a0Palestine refugees when they are outside the areas where Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA operates.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">Unlike Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA does not have a mandate to resettle Palestine refugees and has no authority to seek lasting durable solutions for refugees. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA is mandated by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly to provide services to Palestine refugees in five fields of operation:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Gaza. And it is mandated to do so\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. Palestine refugees within Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s fields of operations are specifically excluded from the mandate of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR, which has a resettlement mandate. However, according to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR,\u00a0<\/span><\/span><em><strong><a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/global-trends-report-2022\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">only a fraction of refugees around the world who need resettlement<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">actually get<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0it each year. \u202f<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">It is worth noting that the protracted situation in which Palestine refugees live is not unique. Resettlement requires the consent not only of refugees but also of the receiving <em>state<strong>.\u202f<\/strong><\/em><\/span><em><strong><a class=\"ext\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/global-trends-report-2022%22%20\/t%20%22_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR <\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">estimated that 78 per cent of all <\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">16 million refugees<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0under its mandate were in protracted refugee situations in 2022. Of the\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">29.4 million refugees<\/span><span data-ccp-parastyle=\"Normal (Web)\">\u00a0under Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵHCR protection that year, only about 1.15 per cent (339,300) were repatriated\u202fto their country of origin. Less than half a per cent (114,300) were resettled in a third country or naturalized as citizens in their country of asylum (50,800). The vast majority remained refugees, pending a solution to their plight.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"><strong>The Claim:<\/strong>\u00a0Donor money would be better spent supporting governments in the region to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">assist<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0Palestine refugees, rather than doing so via Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Facts:<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s mandate was first set out by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ General Assembly in\u00a0<\/span><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unrwa.org\/what-mandate-unrwa-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"To make this website accessible to screen reader, Press combination of alt and 1 keys. To stop getting this message, press the combination of alt and 2 keys\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">1949<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\"><strong><em>.<\/em><\/strong> Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States decide where and how Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA should\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">operate<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">During regular reviews of its mandate, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States have continued to task Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">provide<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0support to Palestine refugees throughout its five fields of operation: Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Gaza. It is tasked with doing so pending a just and lasting solution to the plight of Palestine refugees.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">In addition, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA runs essential public services for Palestine refugees, such as schools and clinics. It does this with some 30,000 personnel, most of whom are Palestinian, and whose pay scale is aligned to that of the local civil services where they work. The reason for this is that\u00a0<\/span><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\">it is hoped that they will transition into Palestinian public institutions once a political solution is reached.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">While some Palestine refugees have citizenship in their host countries, many do not, and lack legal status thus depending on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA for access to basic services and\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">assistance<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Claim:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA does not take reports against it seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">The Facts:<\/span><\/strong><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA has zero tolerance for hate speech, discrimination, or incitement to violence as well as any action that could be viewed as taking sides in conflict. Adherence to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ values and upholding humanitarian principles, including neutrality,\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">represents<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0a fundamental pillar of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA&#8217;s value system and is critical for the Agency to be able to\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">operate<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0on the ground. The Agency systematically reviews all allegations of misconduct, including breaching Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ values and humanitarian principles and launches investigations into any credible allegation, applying disciplinary measures where misconduct has been\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">established<\/span><span data-ccp-charstyle=\"normaltextrun\">\u00a0up to and including separation.\u202f<\/span>\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><span xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\">Please refer to the \u2018Background\u2019 section above for details of the very swift steps taken by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA concerning the allegations that 12 of its staff members were involved in the 7 October attacks on Israel.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"blue-with-border-left\"><strong>The Claim:<\/strong>\u00a0The Claim: The former head of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s staff union in Gaza, Suhail al-Hindi, was fired in 2017 after Israel found out he had been elected to Hamas\u2019 top political leadership.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gray-background\"><strong>The Facts:\u00a0<\/strong>In 2017, Suhail al-Hindi, the former head of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s local staff union in Gaza, was fired after a news site affiliated with Hamas announced that he was elected to political office with Hamas. Following that media report, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA immediately suspended him and subsequently dismissed him after verifying the facts. None of this was because \u201cIsrael found out\u201d \u2013 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA acted directly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gray-background\">Under the rules of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA &#8212; and those of the wider Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ &#8212; participation in any political activity must be consistent with, and may not reflect adversely upon, the independence and impartiality of our status. This includes a prohibition on standing as a candidate or holding any public office. This is why Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA immediately suspended al-Hindi and subsequently dismissed him. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA also dismissed another staff member whose name appeared in the list of those newly elected to Hamas political office.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gray-background\">Overall, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA prohibits any type of involvement of staff in a militant or militarized group. As a representative of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, any involvement in a militarized group that promotes discrimination or violence violates the principle of neutrality and gravely jeopardizes Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s ability to provide services and protection to refugees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>23 May 2024 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u00a0has long\u00a0faced\u00a0misinformation\u00a0and\u00a0disinformation,\u00a0including\u00a0about\u00a0its staff\u00a0and operations. This has intensified since the war in Gaza began on 7 October. This document\u00a0outlines\u00a0Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA\u2019s\u00a0positions\u2014based on\u00a0objective, ascertainable\u00a0facts, data,\u00a0and\u00a0firsthand\u00a0information\u2014\u00a0on\u00a0some of the most frequent\u00a0claims\u00a0and allegations\u00a0made\u00a0against the Agency\u00a0in the media and social media by\u00a0various\u00a0individuals, organizations, public and private entities. Background On 17 January, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵRWA Commissioner-General announced\u00a0his intention to commission an independent review <a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/document\/unrwa-claims-vs-facts-may-2024-23may24\/\"> [&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":299,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"country":[],"document-category":[2449,1329],"document-source":[1817],"committee-meeting":[],"document-subject":[1945,5449,2441,2005,1745,2117,6891],"entity":[1729],"document-language":[6542],"class_list":["post-296216","document","type-document","status-publish","hentry","document-category-factsheet","document-category-press-release","document-source-united-nations-relief-and-works-agency-for-palestine-refugees-in-the-near-east-unrwa","document-subject-assistance","document-subject-assistance-to-the-palestinian-people","document-subject-education-and-culture","document-subject-gaza-strip","document-subject-refugees-and-displaced-persons","document-subject-terrorism","document-subject-unrwa","entity-united-nations-system","document-language-english"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/296216","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/document"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/299"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/296216\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":296232,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document\/296216\/revisions\/296232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=296216"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/country?post=296216"},{"taxonomy":"document-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-category?post=296216"},{"taxonomy":"document-source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-source?post=296216"},{"taxonomy":"committee-meeting","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/committee-meeting?post=296216"},{"taxonomy":"document-subject","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-subject?post=296216"},{"taxonomy":"entity","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/entity?post=296216"},{"taxonomy":"document-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.un.org\/unispal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/document-language?post=296216"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}