Key facts
- Donald Trump's Board of Peace declared UNRWA has no place in Gaza.
- The board suggested redirecting funding to its own initiatives.
- US Ambassador Jeff Bartos urged nations to stop funding UNRWA.
- The Palestinian Authority affirmed UNRWA's essential role for Palestinians.
- Israeli media reported plans for 'Hamas-free humanitarian zones' in Gaza.
Donald Trump's Board of Peace has declared that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) "has no place in new Gaza." The board stated on X that it is "turning a page on the complex of perpetual aid dependency and conflict," asserting that "The people of Gaza deserve better."
This statement was made in conjunction with a call by US ambassador Jeff Bartos at the annual UN pledging conference on Tuesday. Bartos urged nations to cease funding UNRWA and instead direct their financial support towards the Board of Peace, suggesting a choice between funding "incitement, terrorism, and stagnation" or funding the Board of Peace for "peace, prosperity and real, durable change" for Gazans.
UNRWA serves approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. It is the primary UN agency operating in the West Bank and Gaza, managing most aid distribution in the enclave. In Gaza, the majority of the 2.2 million population relies on UNRWA for essential services like food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Smaller aid groups also depend on UNRWA's distribution networks.
However, an Israeli ban implemented in March 2025 has effectively prevented UNRWA from directly bringing staff and aid into Gaza, significantly limiting its operations. UNRWA reported that this has prevented the distribution of substantial aid supplies waiting outside the enclave.
The Palestinian Authority rejected the Board of Peace's comments, reaffirming UNRWA as an "indispensable lifeline" crucial for education, healthcare, and emergency assistance.
Israeli media also revealed that the Board of Peace is planning to establish "Hamas-free humanitarian zones" in Gaza, where civilians would be housed while Israel expands its control. The first such zone is reportedly set to open in Tel Sultan within weeks, policed by a multinational force.