A tense video conference unfolded in December, revealing a concerted effort by UNRWA officials to sway congressional staffers. The core message: prevent a potential designation of the U.N. agency as a foreign terrorist organization by a future administration. The stakes were immense, and the urgency palpable.
Mara Kronenfeld, head of UNRWA USA, framed the situation starkly, asserting the agency’s continued presence in Gaza and the West Bank despite what she characterized as deliberate obstruction by the Israeli government. This wasn’t simply about maintaining operations; it was a fight for the very lifeline of humanitarian aid in a volatile region.
Briefers directly addressed the possibility of a terrorist designation, outlining strategies to “help prevent that” and bolster support for UNRWA’s work. Bill Deere, UNRWA’s Washington director, dismissed the idea as “unprecedented” and “unwarranted,” citing four independent investigations that challenged Israel’s claims against the agency’s personnel.
The officials implored congressional offices to actively voice their opposition, warning that such a designation would set a dangerous precedent for the entire U.N. system. Deere emphasized the limited recourse available if the designation moved forward, suggesting Congress could potentially override the decision.
Detailed accounts from the field painted a picture of resilience amidst immense challenges. Sam Rose, director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, explained that international staff couldn’t enter due to Israeli legislation, forcing remote management of critical operations. Yet, he insisted, services hadn’t stopped for a single day.
Rose highlighted the agency’s ability to maintain vital programs even under duress, specifically cash assistance and job creation initiatives. These weren’t just stopgap measures; they represented a sustained effort to operate “at scale” and provide tangible support to the population.
Roland Friedrich, director of UNRWA affairs in the West Bank, underscored the agency’s vast reach, providing education, healthcare, and assistance to hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees. He emphasized the stabilizing role UNRWA played across the region, offering crucial support through cash assistance, food vouchers, and social protection programs.
The briefing also revealed intricate workarounds to navigate restrictions on aid delivery. Despite limitations, UNRWA continued to receive fuel through third-party coordination, ensuring the operation of power generators and water pumps – essential for basic survival.
While acknowledging reported increases in overall truck deliveries to Gaza, Rose pointed to a concerning shift in cargo composition. Commercial supplies were prioritized, while critical humanitarian items for U.N. agencies remained restricted, creating a two-tiered system where access depended on delivery channels.
Beyond operational updates, the meeting served as a direct appeal for legislative support. Kronenfeld specifically urged backing for the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025, thanking offices already committed to restoring U.S. funding – historically, UNRWA’s largest source of support.
The exchange revealed a complex landscape of political pressure, logistical hurdles, and unwavering dedication to providing aid. It was a glimpse behind the scenes of an organization fighting to maintain its mission in the face of mounting obstacles and intense scrutiny.
One official noted the importance of countering disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining UNRWA’s work, emphasizing the agency’s continued delivery of critical services, including primary healthcare for 40 percent of the population and education for nearly 70,000 children. The situation remains precarious, demanding constant adaptation and a relentless pursuit of solutions.
