UNRWA stands as the largest aid organization in Gaza, with a workforce of 13,000 employees before the outbreak of war. Despite the conflict, 3,000 staff members continue their vital work, joined by tens of thousands more across the West Bank and other parts of the Middle East.
Beyond food distribution, UNRWA plays a crucial role as a major employer in Gaza, offering essential medical services and education, particularly significant as healthcare facilities in the enclave face challenges.
"We are not just providing food aid. Currently, we are operating seven healthcare centers in Gaza, offering 23,000 consultations daily, and have administered 53,000 vaccines since the conflict began.
This sets us apart as an agency that provides a comprehensive range of services," stated Alrifai.
Israel has alleged that up to 11% of UNRWA employees are associated with Hamas or Islamic Jihad, and as many as 30 took part in the October 7 attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths.
Despite these claims, Israel has not provided evidence, leading to the suspension of $450 million in funding by 16 major donors.
This occurred at a critical time when Gaza's 2.3 million residents were on the brink of famine.
While the US Congress voted for a spending bill that includes a clause blocking future US financing of UNRWA, other major donors have resumed their funding following two UN inquiries.
The first investigation, focusing on Israeli allegations, has yet to receive evidence from Israel but remains hopeful for future cooperation.
The second inquiry, led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna with support from three Nordic research agencies, aims to conduct a broader review of UNRWA's integrity.
An interim report by the Colonna inquiry on March 20 noted UNRWA's "significant number of mechanisms and procedures" to ensure neutrality but highlighted critical areas that require attention.
Despite the IDF halting cooperation with UNRWA, several countries, including Australia, Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Japan, have resumed funding. Meanwhile, the US has supported Israeli efforts to integrate UNRWA's functions into other agencies, a move resisted by other donors and UN Secretary-General Guterres.
"We must ensure that UNRWA's unique services continue to flow, as they provide hope," stated the Secretary-General during a visit to a refugee camp in Jordan.
He emphasized the cruelty and incomprehensibility of halting UNRWA services to Palestinians.
UNRWA's mandate is derived from the UN General Assembly, which holds the sole authority to determine the agency's fate. Some UN aid officials argue that only UNRWA has the resources and the trust of ordinary Palestinians to deliver food aid to Gaza.
They warn that attempting to dismantle UNRWA for political reasons in response to Israeli demands, amid ongoing conflict and the threat of famine, could have disastrous consequences.
"It is unacceptable that UN agencies like WFP and senior UN officials are discussing the dismantling of UNRWA," said Chris Gunness, a former UNRWA spokesperson.
"UNRWA's mandate is given by the General Assembly, and only the General Assembly can change it, not the Secretary-General or any single member state."