Mehdi Hasan Debunks 7 Israeli Myths About UNRWA

Summary

The video script debunks seven common Israeli myths about UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. It clarifies that UNRWA was established in 1949 with Israel's support to aid Palestinian refugees and was also involved in assisting Jewish refugees until Israel took over that role. The script refutes the idea that UNHCR could replace UNRWA, highlights that UNRWA's mandate is unique and specific to Palestinian refugees, and that the children of refugees are also considered refugees under international law. It also addresses allegations of UNRWA promoting anti-Semitic bias, its relationship with Hamas, and the involvement of UNRWA employees in attacks on Israel. The video concludes by challenging the notion that there is no Israeli plan to destroy UNRWA, citing evidence to the contrary and questioning the United States' involvement in the situation.

Takeaways

• 📜 UNRWA was established in 1949 with Israel's support to provide aid to Palestinian refugees, including direct services for food, education, and healthcare, especially in Gaza.
• 🏛 Israel was one of the countries that voted for UNRWA's establishment, and it provided relief to Jewish refugees until 1952 when Israel took over that responsibility.
• 🌍 UNRWA's mandate is specific to Palestinian refugees from the 1948 conflict, while UNHCR was established later in 1950 with a different mandate that does not cover Palestinians already receiving assistance from UN agencies.
• 👪 Under international law, the children of refugees are also considered refugees, which is not unique to Palestinians but applies to refugees worldwide.
• 📚 A Trump State Department report found that 97% of UNRWA's textbooks contain no anti-Semitic or anti-Israel bias, debunking claims of hate education.
• 🚫 Hamas has shown disapproval of UNRWA, viewing it as too Western and in competition for providing social services in Gaza, contrary to claims of collaboration.
• 🔍 Allegations of UNRWA employees' involvement in attacks on Israel lack concrete evidence, with internal US intelligence expressing low confidence in Israel's claims.
• 🤔 The US halted humanitarian aid to Palestinians via UNRWA based on allegations affecting less than 0.01% of its staff, raising questions about the proportionality of the response.
• 🗣️ Noga Arbel, a former Israeli foreign ministry official, testified before the Israeli parliament about plans to dismantle UNRWA, contradicting denials of such intentions.
• ⛓️ UN internal reports suggest some of its employees were tortured by Israelis to make false claims against UNRWA, highlighting concerns over the treatment of its staff.
• ❌ The script suggests that there is an Israeli war on UNRWA, which has broader implications for the humanitarian crisis and the people of Gaza, questioning the US's involvement.

Q & A

What is the primary role of UNRWA?

UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, provides direct services such as food, education, health care, and other assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza.

When was UNRWA established and which countries voted in favor of its establishment?

UNRWA was established in 1949 by the UN General Assembly, and Israel was among the countries that voted in favor of its creation.

Why was UNRWA initially set up to provide relief to Jewish refugees as well?

UNRWA was established in the wake of the 1948 conflict, which Israel calls its War of Independence and Palestinians call the Nakba. It provided relief to Jewish refugees from that conflict until 1952 when Israel decided to take over that mission.

Why can't UNHCR, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, take over the role of UNRWA for Palestinian refugees?

UNRWA was specifically set up to deal with the Palestinian refugees from 1948, and its mandate comes from the UN General Assembly. UNHCR, established a year later, has a mandate from the Refugee Convention which explicitly states it does not apply to refugees already receiving assistance from other UN agencies. UNHCR also does not provide direct services in the same way UNRWA does.

How does UNRWA's policy on refugee status for descendants of Palestinian refugees compare to international law?

Under international law, the children of refugees are also considered refugees. UNRWA's policy aligns with this principle, allowing descendants of Palestinian refugees to claim refugee status, which is not unique to Palestinians but applies to refugees worldwide.

What was the finding of a Trump State Department report regarding anti-Semitic content in UNRWA textbooks?

The report found that 97% of UNRWA textbooks contain no anti-Semitic or anti-Israel bias, with only a small minority of 3% containing such content.

What is the relationship between UNRWA and Hamas in Gaza?

Hamas does not have a cooperative relationship with UNRWA. In fact, there have been instances where Hamas has been at odds with UNRWA, viewing it as too Western and a competitor in providing social services to Gaza's population.

What was the allegation regarding UNRWA employees' involvement in the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel?

It was alleged that 12 UNRWA employees were involved in the attacks. However, this represents less than 0.01% of the total UNRWA staff in Gaza. There is also a lack of hard evidence to support these claims, and internal US intelligence reports express low confidence in these allegations.

What has been the Israeli military's stance towards UNRWA?

The Israeli military has expressed intentions to dismantle or eliminate UNRWA, which is part of an Israeli war against the agency and, by extension, the people of Gaza who rely on its services.

Why did the US agree to halt humanitarian aid for Palestinians via UNRWA?

The US agreed to halt aid due to allegations that a small number of UNRWA employees were involved in attacks on Israel. However, these claims are disputed, and there is no concrete evidence provided by Israel to support them.

What is the significance of the Israeli plan to destroy UNRWA?

The alleged Israeli plan to destroy UNRWA is significant because it would deprive millions of Palestinians, especially in Gaza, of vital services such as food, education, and health care, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Why is there controversy over the US joining in the Israeli actions against UNRWA?

The controversy stems from the potential humanitarian consequences for the Palestinian people, who rely on UNRWA for essential services. The US's involvement is questioned on moral and ethical grounds, given the impact on vulnerable populations.