Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament consider that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is an important way to effectively maintain the resilience of the most vulnerable people, Palestine refugees, throughout the Middle East. In the face of all the current crises and conflicts, the UNRWA is also an instrument of humanitarian, political and strategic importance.
Victor Boştinaru, S&D MEP and vice-president for foreign affairs, said:
"On 26 February, it will be six months since the ceasefire ended 50 days of conflict in Gaza. Over 96,000 Palestine refugee family homes were damaged or destroyed during last summer’s conflict. Throughout this conflict, UNRWA has been a stabilizing force in a challenging political and security context.
"Nevertheless, UNRWA has received only a small part of the necessary funding (135 million out of the 720 million needed) and therefore UNRWA has been forced to suspend its cash assistance programme in Gaza to tens of thousands of people for repairs to damaged and destroyed homes and for rental subsidies to the homeless.
"The underfunding is undermining UNRWA's role and is worsening the situation of the Gaza community and thus, it would contribute to a fertile ground for instability in the entire region.
"Not only do we need to provide the refugee communities with support, but, the EU and the international community must also commit to taking resolute political action. It is absolutely clear that without a political solution, vulnerability will continue to dominate the lives of Palestine refugees in Gaza and the West Bank".
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