Preamble:
On October 7th, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, murdering over 1100 people and kidnapping over 230. This act of terror was meticulously planned and organised over several months. Since that day, increasing evidence has emerged implicating the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in these activities. Reports suggest that UNRWA maintains financial connections with Hamas, and allegations have surfaced regarding interpersonal relationships between UNRWA employees and members of a terrorist organisations active in Gaza. Released Israeli hostages have confirmed being held in the homes of UNRWA employees, and it has been reported that UNRWA schools were used as armouries by Hamas.
In 2024, the European Union provided 82 million Euros to UNRWA. This funding has raised concerns as it implies that European citizens might be indirectly co-sponsoring Hamas’ terror activities. As European Jewish students, we strongly oppose any support for terrorism. While we recognize the need for humanitarian organisations to operate in Gaza, these organisations must not be complicit in terror activities both directly and indirectly.
EUJS notes that:
1. UNRWA is complicit in Hamas’ terror activity and played an important role in the massacre of October 7th.
2. UNRWA’s budget is used to fund terror in the Gaza Strip and against the Israeli state.
3. UNRWA employees have been found complicit in holding Israeli hostages captive.
4. UNRWA is the only UN agency assisting one particular group of refugees, whereas all other refugee crises are dealt with by the UNHCR.
EUJS believes that:
1. Work in the humanitarian field, especially in crisis and war areas, is important.
2. However, this work cannot be provided by an entity collaborating and empowering terrorist activities.
3. European taxes should not be used to fund terrorism.
4. UNRWA plays a vital part in the region’s overarching problem by perpetuating the refugee status of Palestinians.
EUJS resolves to:
1. Advocate for a viable alternative to UNRWA to provide the necessary humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
2. Raise awareness and publicly criticise UNRWA’s complicity in the massacre of October 7th.
