Following the attacks on 7 October and allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in kidnappings, the organization faced global consequences and an Israeli bill aimed at severing relations – against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Numerous donor countries temporarily suspended their funding, but later resumed it; the United States, the organization’s largest donor, has not yet resumed its contributions. <\/p>\n\n
The film traces the 75-year development of UNRWA – from its origins after 1948 as a temporary relief organization for Palestinian refugees to its central and often controversial role in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It sheds light on new and surprising findings and provides an insight into the only UN organization dedicated exclusively to a specific population group. With its three-year mandate due to expire in December 2025, the UN General Assembly is about to take a crucial vote on whether to extend UNRWA’s mission.