Tel Aviv: A former spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has raised concerns that Israel’s initiative to dismantle the agency could have unintended repercussions, potentially complicating its own strategies.
According to Anadolu Agency, Christopher Gunness, a former UNRWA spokesperson, stated that Israel must exercise caution with its intentions. He elaborated on the potential outcomes of closing UNRWA, highlighting that transferring Palestinians under its mandate to the UNHCR, the UN agency tasked with global refugee protection, could lead to the right of return becoming the favored solution, resulting in an accelerated increase in the number of registered refugees.
On October 28, Israel’s Knesset approved legislation targeting UNRWA, which could halt its operations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. This move has been condemned by the UN, which warned that it could have “devastating consequences” as UNRWA is the primary agency delivering aid to Gaza.
Gunness further explained
that if UNRWA ceases its services in Gaza and the West Bank, the refugees would fall under the jurisdiction of the UNHCR, as per the 1951 Refugee Convention. He indicated that Article 1(d) of the convention would be triggered, shifting responsibility to UNHCR for refugee protection.
Highlighting the differences between the two agencies, Gunness noted that UNHCR supports the “right of return” and allows refugee status to be inherited by children from either parent, unlike UNRWA, which permits inheritance only through the father. This change could result in a rapid increase in registered refugees, contrary to Israel’s objectives.
Gunness criticized the belief that dismantling UNRWA would remove Palestinian refugees from the peace process, asserting that their rights are “inalienable” and cannot be erased by ending UNRWA’s role. He warned that the refugee issue could worsen if the responsibility shifts to UNHCR.
Although UNRWA is not planning to transition refugees to UNHCR at present, Gunness emphasized that
such a legal shift would elevate the issue globally and intensify efforts for permanent solutions. He also clarified that refugees in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon would remain unaffected, as UNRWA services persist in those regions.
Gunness’ remarks come amid Israel’s advancement of plans to stop UNRWA’s operations in Gaza and the West Bank, a decision that might take effect as early as January.