Hamas condemns Board of Peace's decision to exclude UNRWA from Gaza aid efforts

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the Board of Peace’s refusal to cooperate with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) represents a "complete alignment with the Zionist position" and aims to halt the agency’s aid operations and the Palestinian right of return. The Board, created by the United States, announced on Friday that it would work only with "trusted partners" that meet its criteria, stating that UNRWA "fails on those litmus tests" and that its involvement in Gaza would remain unchanged.

Qassem criticized the board for adopting a hostile stance toward UNRWA while not delivering aid or pressuring Israel to observe a ceasefire. UNRWA, established in 1949, has historically provided humanitarian assistance and education to Palestinian refugees, a role viewed by many Palestinians as essential to preserving their right of return.

According to an Associated Press report, board members have met with UNRWA officials privately, but publicly excluded the agency from a briefing to the UN General Assembly. A board official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said UNRWA’s programs could continue if they effectively served Gaza residents, but added that "UNRWA’s days are over."

Former UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini, who left the agency earlier this year, accused the board of failing to meet its mandate and claimed Israeli restrictions continue to block essential aid. He urged the opening of crossing points to allow large-scale deliveries of supplies.

In the meantime, Israeli military actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank resulted in several Palestinian casualties, including deaths in Jabalia, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Khan Younis, as reported by local health authorities and news agencies. Israeli forces also conducted raids on university campuses and residential areas in the West Bank.