The United States has barred Hamas and UNRWA from Gaza’s future governance and aid distribution. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed UNRWA acts as “a subsidiary of Hamas,” repeating long-standing Israeli accusations. UNRWA quickly rejected the claim, saying it remains essential to deliver humanitarian aid. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has also recognised UNRWA’s critical role. Experts warn sidelining the agency could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
UN and global authorities dismissed US claims. UNRWA tweeted that no organisation can replace its work in Gaza. Farhan Haq, UN deputy spokesperson, called the agency “the backbone of our humanitarian operations.” Israel had banned UNRWA operations earlier, accusing some staff of involvement in 2023 attacks. Independent investigations cleared the agency of wrongdoing. Observers warned that blocking UNRWA could devastate relief efforts for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.
Read more: ICJ orders Israel to allow aid, meet Gaza’s basic needs
Meanwhile, Israel continues air and ground strikes across Gaza. Two people were killed east of Deir el-Balah on Friday. The Rafah border crossing remains closed, limiting aid despite the recent US-mediated ceasefire. Civil defence teams struggle with minimal resources amid widespread destruction. UN agencies warned that millions face urgent shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
Rubio said the US plans to form an international task force to police the ceasefire. Israel will hold veto power over participating countries. Turkey and Indonesia have expressed readiness to contribute troops. Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, agreed to form a temporary technocratic committee to manage Gaza. The committee will work with Arab nations and international institutions to run essential services.
Read more: Israel Cannot Use Hunger as a Weapon of War: ICJ
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire despite diplomatic efforts. Aid restrictions, damaged infrastructure, and limited medical access threaten civilians’ survival. UN officials stressed that sidelining UNRWA could further deepen the crisis. As negotiations continue, the world watches whether Washington can balance security concerns with urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.