The United States-led Board of Peace (BoP) has declared that the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) will not participate in the reconstruction of Gaza, a decision that mirrors longstanding Israeli calls to sideline the organization. The BoP, tasked with overseeing a "ceasefire" and rebuilding efforts in the devastated Palestinian territory, stated it would exclusively collaborate with partners it deems reliable and capable of meeting the population's needs, asserting that UNRWA does not meet these criteria.

This exclusion comes as the BoP unveiled a multibillion-dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza, nearly a year after a "ceasefire" took effect. The plan, presented on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), emerges amidst stalled key "ceasefire" provisions, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the disarmament of Hamas. UNRWA, established in 1949, has been a critical lifeline for millions of Palestinians displaced from their homes.

The BoP's decision aligns with repeated Israeli demands to diminish UNRWA's influence in Gaza. The agency has faced allegations from Israel, though UNRWA has denied them, leading to funding suspensions from some donor nations. Despite these challenges, UNRWA remains a primary provider of essential services, including food, shelter, and healthcare, to a vast number of Palestinians in Gaza.

In a post on X on Friday, the BoP reiterated its stance: "The Board of Peace’s policy as it relates to UNRWA’s involvement in Gaza is unchanged. We will only work with trusted partners who will deliver for the people of Gaza and contribute to a deradicalised Strip. UNRWA fails on those litmus tests."

The BoP's reconstruction blueprint proposes $2.4 billion for initial recovery projects. However, UNRWA was notably absent from the list of UN agencies identified as partners for these initiatives. This exclusion raises concerns about the potential impact on millions of Palestinian refugees who rely heavily on UNRWA for basic necessities.

Despite the public stance, a BoP official, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, confirmed that board members had engaged in multiple meetings with UNRWA officials. This suggests ongoing dialogue, even as the agency is formally excluded from the reconstruction efforts. The official indicated that UNRWA's existing programs could potentially continue, though details remain unclear.

The situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Gaza's future and the role of international aid organizations. Israel has consistently accused UNRWA of harboring militants, allegations the agency denies, leading to significant international scrutiny and funding cuts from several key donor countries following accusations by Israel.

UNRWA's exclusion from the reconstruction plan could leave a significant gap in aid delivery and recovery efforts, potentially exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The long-term implications for Palestinian refugees and the stability of the region remain uncertain as the reconstruction process moves forward without a key humanitarian actor.