Washington DC — UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after 15 months of what Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and many other experts know to be a genocide. This prolonged crisis in Gaza has caused unimaginable suffering for Palestinian civilians, particularly the Palestine refugees UNRWA serves, and has left entire communities in need of rebuilding. While we are cautiously optimistic about this ceasefire, we acknowledge it as just the first step toward addressing the immense challenges of recovery and reconstruction in Gaza.

“Gaza has endured the unthinkable,” said Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director of UNRWA USA. “This ceasefire offers a much-needed glimmer of hope, but the road to rebuilding lives and communities will be long and arduous. The international community, led by the United States, must commit to ensuring that Palestine refugees have access to the resources and services they need to recover and thrive.”

For over 75 years, UNRWA has provided life-saving assistance to Palestine refugees across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The UN Agency's work, including delivering education, healthcare, food aid, and emergency relief, is a critical lifeline for millions who have endured displacement and life under blockade and military occupation for generations.

“As the people of Gaza begin their long journey toward recovery, the world must prioritize humanitarian principles and refugee rights,” Kronenfeld added. “We cannot let the basic dignity of millions be overshadowed by political agendas. Now is the time to act.”

The new presidential administration offers an opportunity for the United States to reaffirm its leadership in humanitarian assistance and its support for Palestine refugees. We urge the administration to restore full US government funding to UNRWA and advocate for robust international support to help rebuild Gaza and strengthen services for Palestine refugees across the region until there is a just and durable political solution to their seven decades-long plight.

UNRWA USA remains steadfast in its mission and will continue to mobilize grassroots support for Palestine refugees and amplify their voices in the pursuit of dignity and a world where Palestine refugees thrive.

To learn more or to join our efforts, please visit unrwausa.org.

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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. 

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is catastrophic, with the entire population facing famine-level starvation as well as constant bombardment, blockades, and limited access to fuel, electricity, and medical supplies. UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip and a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees across the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.

Media Contact: For more information, contact Laila Mokhiber, Senior Director of Communications, UNRWA USA, by phone at (202) 223-3767 or via email at laila@unrwausa.org.