The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is facing increasing scrutiny over its alleged ties to terrorist figures and the impact of its educational programs. Despite a recent U.N. General Assembly resolution affirming support for the agency, internal divisions and funding challenges persist.

Sweden's recent decision to halt funding for UNRWA and redirect aid to other organizations highlights growing concerns about the agency's effectiveness and accountability. While the U.N. publicly maintains its support, sources suggest internal discussions about alternative agencies, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), potentially taking over UNRWA's programs. These proposals have reportedly been rejected by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, creating internal conflict within the organization.

A man walks in front of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) building in Gaza City, Gaza, on January 30, 2023.  (Photo by Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Guterres' spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized the unique role of UNRWA and the absence of a viable replacement, highlighting its work in health and education. However, critics argue that other U.N. agencies are capable of providing similar services and that UNRWA's contribution to the overall aid effort is overstated.

Displaced Palestinians ordered by the Israeli military to evacuate the northern part of Gaza flee amid an Israeli military operation, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, October 22, 2024. (Reuters/Dawoud Abu Alkas)

UNRWA's fundraising has been significantly impacted by reports of its members' involvement in the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. The United States, a major contributor, suspended funding to the agency, further exacerbating its financial difficulties.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini looks on during a press conference in Geneva on January 24, 2023.  (Fabrice Coffrin/AFP via Getty Images)

While UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has defended the agency's importance and warned against its dismantling, organizations like U.N. Watch have criticized its role and called for its dissolution. They argue that UNRWA perpetuates conflict and hinders the achievement of a peaceful resolution.

A World Food Programme truck being loaded to deliver aid into Gaza.  (United Nations via Reuters Connect)

WFP delivers thousands of food packages, sacks of flour and water to the Beit Hanoun area in coordination with COGAT.

World Food Programme (WFP) aid at the Erez west crossing on the Israel-Gaza border. (IDF spokesman)

FILE: 11/06/2022: Palestinian employees from the UNDP in Gaza. (Ahmed Zakot/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Photos released by the Israeli Defense Force show three individuals the Israeli military claims are Hamas combatants inside the UNRWA compound in Rafah. (IDF)

The IDF and ISA eliminated Hamas Nukhba commander, Mohammad Abu Itiwi. He was involved in the murder and abduction of Israeli civilians on October 7th. Itiwi worked for UNRWA, according to the Israelis. (IDF Spokesman's Unit)