In conjunction with the Israeli army's announcement of the evacuation of areas in eastern Rafah, southern Gaza, and the fleeing of thousands of Palestinians, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed that it will not evacuate its locations in Rafah, pledging to remain there for as long as possible to provide assistance. In a statement today, Monday, it stated that "the Israeli attack on Rafah means more suffering and deaths among civilians." It warned that the consequences of the anticipated Israeli attack would be devastating for 1.4 million people.
UNRWA stated: "An Israeli offensive in Rafah would mean more civilian suffering & deaths. The consequences would be devastating for 1.4 million people. UNRWA is not evacuating: the Agency will maintain a presence in Rafah as long as possible & will continue providing lifesaving aid to people."
UNRWA has faced attacks from Israel, which claimed that some of its employees participated in the attack on October 7. However, an independent international investigation committee concluded that there is no evidence to support this, and that the agency's work is vital for serving Palestinian refugees.
