The recent decision by the United States to cut off funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has sparked outrage and condemnation from humanitarian agencies around the world. The move, which was led by the Republican party, has been met with widespread criticism for its potential to further exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Yet, despite the severity of this decision, it seems that very few people have taken notice.
In a recent article published by The Intercept, journalist Mehdi Hasan highlights the hypocrisy of this decision, stating, “It seems incredibly hypocritical to suddenly be shocked by these images when every humanitarian agency has said no one can replace UNRWA.” And he is absolutely right. The decision to cut funding to UNRWA is not only hypocritical, but it is also a dangerous and callous move that will have devastating consequences for the people of Gaza.
For decades, UNRWA has been a lifeline for the Palestinian refugees living in Gaza. With its mandate to provide education, healthcare, and other essential services, UNRWA has been a beacon of hope for the people of Gaza, who have been living under a brutal Israeli blockade for over a decade. The agency has been the only source of support for the more than two million Palestinians living in Gaza, who are facing a severe shortage of food, medicine, and other basic necessities.
The decision to cut funding to UNRWA is not only a direct attack on the Palestinian people, but it is also a clear violation of international law. The United States, as a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, has a legal obligation to protect and support refugees. By cutting off funding to UNRWA, the US is shirking its responsibilities and turning its back on the most vulnerable population in Gaza.
Moreover, this decision is not just about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It is also a political move that aims to further isolate and weaken the Palestinian people. The US has long been a staunch ally of Israel and has consistently supported its policies, including the illegal occupation of Palestinian land. By cutting off funding to UNRWA, the US is sending a clear message that it does not care about the suffering of the Palestinian people and is willing to use them as pawns in its political games.
It is also worth noting that the decision to cut funding to UNRWA is not a new one. In fact, it is part of a larger trend of the US government’s attacks on Palestinian rights and its unwavering support for Israel. In recent years, the US has recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, moved its embassy there, and cut off funding to other Palestinian institutions. This latest move is just another step in the US government’s efforts to delegitimize the Palestinian cause and undermine any hope for a just and lasting peace in the region.
Despite the gravity of this decision, it has received very little attention from the mainstream media. While the world was fixated on the US midterm elections and other political dramas, the people of Gaza were left to suffer in silence. This lack of coverage is not only a disservice to the Palestinian people, but it also reflects a larger problem of the media’s failure to adequately cover the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In conclusion, the decision to cut funding to UNRWA is a cruel and unjust move that will have devastating consequences for the people of Gaza. It is a clear violation of international law and a political maneuver that aims to further isolate and weaken the Palestinian people. It is also a reflection of the US government’s unwavering support for Israel and its disregard for the suffering of the Palestinian people. It is time for the international community to speak up and take action to hold the US accountable for its actions and to support the people of Gaza in their struggle for justice and dignity. As Mehdi Hasan rightly points out, “Almost no one noticed” this decision, but it is our responsibility to ensure that the voices of the Palestinian people are heard and their rights are protected.
