All articles tagged with #palestinian refugees
The article criticizes the UN's actions in Gaza, accusing it of undermining neutrality and aiding Hamas, while using Palestinian refugee status as leverage against Israel, revealing a pattern of political manipulation rather than genuine humanitarian concern.
Ben and Jerry's has filed a lawsuit against its parent company, Unilever, accusing it of violating a 2022 settlement agreement by censoring the ice cream brand's social justice efforts, particularly its support for Palestinian refugees. The lawsuit claims Unilever attempted to dismantle Ben and Jerry's board and intimidate its members. This legal action follows a previous 2021 lawsuit over sales in the West Bank, which was settled with an agreement that Unilever would respect Ben and Jerry's social mission. Unilever denies the allegations.
Ben & Jerry's has filed a lawsuit against its parent company, Unilever, alleging censorship over its support for Palestinian refugees. The lawsuit claims Unilever has threatened Ben & Jerry's personnel and violated their merger agreement, which protects the ice cream company's social mission. This mission includes advocacy for issues like migrant justice and LGBTQ+ rights. The conflict stems from Ben & Jerry's decision to stop selling products in Israeli-only settlements, which led to Unilever selling the brand's intellectual property in those areas. Despite a 2022 settlement, Ben & Jerry's accuses Unilever of continuing to undermine its social initiatives.
Israel has withdrawn from a 1967 agreement with the UN agency UNRWA, which aids Palestinian refugees, following new laws limiting the agency's operations in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. This decision comes amid Israeli allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in a Hamas attack. Israel's Foreign Minister criticized the UN for not addressing these allegations and suggested other aid agencies could replace UNRWA. The U.S. has warned Israel that hindering humanitarian aid could affect U.S. military assistance, emphasizing UNRWA's critical role in Gaza.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent funding for the UNRWA, which aids Palestinian refugees, criticizing Israel's evacuation orders in Gaza that force civilians to move amid destruction. The agency faces a significant funding gap, with only enough resources to operate until September. Guterres condemned both Hamas' attacks and Israel's military actions, which have resulted in high civilian casualties. Despite funding suspensions from 16 countries due to allegations against some UNRWA staff, 14 have resumed support, and the U.S. has shown political backing but remains restricted from funding until 2025.
More than 1 million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge in Gaza's southern city of Rafah, which has become Israel's last major military target in its campaign against Hamas. Satellite analysis shows that about 32% of the region's buildings have been damaged by Israeli airstrikes, with makeshift camps and tents surrounding UN facilities, field hospitals, and mosques. Israeli officials are preparing for a military operation in Rafah, estimating 5,000 to 8,000 Hamas fighters in the city, while the US and other allies are urging for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid amidst escalating tensions in the region.
Israeli settlers and rightwing activists have protested by blocking the entrances of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) office in Jerusalem, calling for its closure and accusing it of supporting terrorism. The Israeli government has accused Unrwa of collaborating with Hamas, leading to a systematic campaign of obstruction and harassment against its staff. This comes amid a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the threat of famine looming, and the Israeli government's decision to prevent Unrwa's aid deliveries in northern Gaza. The UN has condemned this move, stating that it pushes thousands closer to famine and must be revoked.
Israel's attempt to destroy Unrwa, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, is part of its strategy to starve Gaza and alter the demographics of the region. The Israeli government's efforts to cut funding for Unrwa and obstruct its aid deliveries exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where widespread hunger and famine are projected. By targeting Unrwa, Israel aims to prevent Palestinian refugees from returning and maintain its Jewish majority, while disregarding the dire needs of the 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza.
The head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) has criticized Israel for ending its approval of UNRWA food convoys to northern Gaza, calling it an intentional obstruction of lifesaving assistance during a man-made famine. UNRWA has been in crisis since Israel accused some of its staff of involvement in Hamas attacks, leading to a pause in funding from the US and others. UNRWA's head was also denied entry to Gaza by Israeli authorities, further hindering its ability to fulfill its mandate and potentially worsening the humanitarian situation.
The US House of Representatives has approved a funding bill that would ban funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), drawing criticism from progressives and humanitarian groups. The bill comes amid warnings of a looming famine in Gaza and accusations of Israeli efforts to delegitimize UNRWA. The measure, which faces opposition from some Democrats and far-right Republicans, now goes to the Senate for approval before the government faces a partial shutdown deadline.
A government funding deal between Congress and the White House includes a ban on direct U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) until March 2025, affecting its humanitarian operations in Gaza and other regions. The decision follows Israeli allegations of UNRWA employees' involvement in a terror attack, prompting a U.N. investigation. Advocates argue that the aid cutoff could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands of children face malnutrition and lack of basic necessities. The move is seen as a political goal of the Israeli government, with Saudi Arabia announcing a $40 million donation to UNRWA, and the U.S. planning to increase humanitarian assistance to civilians in the region.
The Israeli military reports 90 people killed in its raid on Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital, where displaced Palestinians recount harsh detentions and abuse, while Hamas condemns the "bloody massacre." The military claims to have interrogated 300 suspects and detained over 160, denying harm to civilians, patients, and medical teams. Displaced Palestinians describe their ordeals during the siege, with one woman expressing the destruction and suffering in Gaza. Additionally, Israeli attacks on the Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps result in numerous casualties, including women and children.
The White House is preparing for the possibility that Congress may permanently pause funding for UNRWA, the United Nations relief agency for Palestinians, following accusations against its employees for participating in an attack on Israel. The U.S. is awaiting the results of a UN investigation before making any decisions on resuming contributions, and is exploring alternative humanitarian agencies to continue aid. If the pause is lifted, only $300,000 in funding would remain allocated for UNRWA, and any additional funding would need congressional approval.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has reported that some of its employees were coerced by Israeli authorities into falsely admitting Hamas links and involvement in attacks. The report detailed allegations of mistreatment in Israeli detention, including physical beatings, waterboarding, and threats of harm to family members. Israel's accusations led to a funding pause by 16 countries, throwing UNRWA's operations into crisis. UNRWA has condemned the attacks and stated that if the Israeli allegations are true, they would be a betrayal of U.N. values. Israel has shared intelligence with the U.N. alleging that UNRWA employs "military operatives" from Hamas and other armed groups, and has called for UNRWA's closure.
A report by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) alleges that Israeli authorities coerced some agency employees into falsely admitting Hamas links and participating in attacks, with claims of severe physical abuse and threats. The Israeli accusations have led to a funding crisis for UNRWA, with 16 countries pausing $450 million in funding. Israel has also accused UNRWA of employing terrorists and seeks its closure, while UNRWA has condemned the attacks and is conducting an internal investigation.