Statement by UNRWA USA

October 30, 2023

UNRWA USA acknowledges and understands the desperation that led civilians to take food supplies from UNRWA warehouses that it was storing to distribute. While much of the world has turned its back on Palestinians in Gaza, UNRWA and UNRWA USA have not and will not.

Prior to the events of October 7th, UNRWA supported 1.2 million of 1.6 million Palestine refugees in Gaza with food assistance. These families received quarterly rations through UNRWA’s food assistance program. When the crisis erupted, UNRWA was forced to close its 14 food distribution centers in Gaza and adapt to only delivering supplies as safety conditions allowed. 

Under heavy bombardment, limited communications abilities (including a 36-hour total blackout imposed by Israel between October 27 and 29), and an extraordinarily chaotic operating environment, UNRWA has distributed food supplies left in its distribution centers whenever possible. For example, UNRWA delivered hundreds of tons of free flour from its warehouses to 50 bakeries in Gaza, resulting in a 50% reduction in bread prices for non-refugees. UNRWA also continues to provide free bread to as many as possible, focusing on those 670,000 people sheltering at 150 UNRWA shelters (as of October 30).   

The intensified siege imposed by Israel on October 9 completely cut off food, water, medical supplies, and fuel to Gaza for a full two weeks, from October 7 to 21. As of October 30, fuel remains prohibited from entering Gaza, and food and other supplies have only trickled in. Fuel is essential for hospitals to operate, for desalinating water to make it drinkable, and for UNRWA vehicles to transport aid. UNRWA is responsible for distributing humanitarian assistance which is received through Rafah to those sheltering UNRWA’s 150 shelters as quickly as logistically and safely possible. 

Again, UNRWA USA acknowledges and understands the desperation that led civilians to take food supplies from UNRWA warehouses that it was storing to distribute. The people of Gaza have endured a prolonged siege and borne the brunt of the most brutal violence in recent history, resulting in a mix of fear, frustration, heart-wrenching grief and trauma, starvation, and a complete state of utter physical and emotional exhaustion.

We at UNRWA USA stand with the people of Gaza. And will continue doing everything humanly possible to provide more food and supplies. We assure you that your contributions are managed with the utmost care and transparency, offering hope and desperately needed relief.

We urge Americans to continue to support UNRWA USA in calling for an immediate ceasefire and expanded humanitarian access to let Gaza live: unrwausa.org/contact-congress

For UNRWA’s official statement, please visit this link: https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/official-statements/unrwa-rejects-claims-holding-supplies-gaza-warehouses-these-claims-are-false

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For inquiries, please email info@unrwausa.org.

UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) is an independent nonprofit organization that provides support for the humanitarian work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA USA lifts up the voices, experiences, and humanity of Palestine refugees to secure American support for resources essential to every human being, for the promise of a better life. US taxpayers are eligible for tax deductions for donations made through UNRWA USA.