In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader region. Concerns were raised about proposed legislation that could dismantle UNRWA, which provides essential services such as education and healthcare to millions of Palestinian refugees.

UNRWA operates in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, serving over 550,000 children and providing primary healthcare to more than two million people. The agency's staff, primarily from the local community, continue to deliver services despite the challenges posed by active combat and evacuation orders affecting much of Gaza.

The meeting highlighted the potential catastrophic consequences of disbanding UNRWA, including the risk of sacrificing an entire generation of children and fostering extremism and resentment. The agency's role is deemed crucial not only for immediate humanitarian needs but also for any future political solutions, particularly the two-state solution.

Participants emphasized the need for international support to halt the implementation of laws threatening UNRWA's existence and to ensure that the agency's functions are integrated into any political framework moving forward. The urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was underscored, with reports indicating a significant decrease in aid flow amid rising military operations and humanitarian needs.

The discussions also touched on the broader implications of the conflict, noting a troubling trend where the suffering of one side is often overlooked in favor of the other. This lack of mutual empathy is seen as a barrier to reconciliation and peace.

As the international community grapples with the ongoing crisis, the meeting concluded with a call for increased funding and support for UNRWA, which faces chronic financial challenges. The agency's future remains uncertain, but its importance in providing stability and services to Palestinian refugees is clear.