The accusation caused a thunderclap. At the end of January, Israel claimed that twelve collaborators of UNRWA – an agency founded on a UN mandate in 1949 – had participated, in one way or another, in the October 7 massacre orchestrated by Hamas, which caused nearly 1,200 deaths in Israel. Accusations which have since not been substantiated by the Israeli authorities. Several investigations are underway. But for the UN agency, a race against time has begun.
Following accusations from Benjamin Netanyahu's government, twelve employees of the UN agency were fired. Six states – including the United States – have suspended their contributions to UNRWA, jeopardizing the financial survival of the UN organization which manages health, social and educational aid for 5.9 million Palestinian refugees spread across five countries in the region. The amount to find? More than $450 million. In thirty days. The objective is to succeed in financing the activities of 33,000 Unrwa employees and to be able to pay salaries for the month of April.
Read alsoKidnapping, attack on a kibbutz... Israel details its accusations against UNRWA
While the war rages in the Gaza Strip, UNRWA must also face the consequences of Israeli bombings which, according to the Hamas government, have already caused the deaths of more than 33,000 people in the enclave. Palestinian – including 177 members of the agency itself.
From Jerusalem to New York, via Cairo, Amman, Ramallah, Gaza and even Geneva, our reporters followed Philippe Lazzarini, the boss of Unrwa, at the heart of the storm, between diplomatic ballets, discouragement of the teams and promises of hope.
Read alsoThe impossible defense of UNRWA in the face of opaque accusations from Israel
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