By Ashna Butani
The Department of State, United States of America has proposed an aid cut after Donald Trumps decision to withdraw $65 million from $125 million of aid to the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). The move comes a few days after the President tweeted that Palestinians, who have no respect for the USA, are unworthy of the money. This move is expected to affect millions of people who were receiving aid from the UNRWA. Following USAs aid cut, Belgium has come forward and pledged to aid the organisation with $23 million. The Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, responded to the urgent call for help by the UNRWA.
A huge blow
The President of the USA continues to stay true to his word of putting America before all others. In an attempt to do so, he decided to stop aiding the UNRWA, who has been of immense help for the last 70 years. The move has received global condemnation. The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that he had not even been informed about this sudden aid cut. With the belief that the agency is a pillar of stability in the region, he said that it is a very serious problem.
Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) said that the President has targeted the most vulnerable section of Palestine. The agency has been the only lifeline to millions of refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. It has provided stability by offering access to food, education and healthcare. At the same time, Palestinians are of the opinion that if the services stop, there will be a revolution. Palestinian uprisings, that began in refugee camps, may begin again.
Belgium to the rescue
After Trumps decision on Tuesday, Commissioner General of UNRWA, Pierre Krahenbuhl, released a statement calling for help. The US was the largest single donor, supporting health clinics, cash distribution systems, schools and emergency food, read the statement. The Belgian Prime Minister responded to this, saying that Belgium and other EU countries will help aid the agency over the next five years.
He said that he has a lot of respect for the agency as it has continued to operate in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances. For a lot of Palestinian refugees, the UNRWA is the last life buoy. With the help of UNRWA, half a million of Palestine children are able to go to school. This prevents them from falling prey to radicalisation and extreme violence, he said.
The way forward
The sudden decision by President Trump posed a severe threat to the stability in the region. He recently declared Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, which was also condemned by the Palestinian community. Belgiums help is certainly the light at the end of a dark tunnel, for Palestinians. The prompt and timely move by Belgium has saved the Palestinian refugees from yet another crisis. This was certainly a close shave, but the Palestinians are still raging at Trumps decisions.
Palestinian President Abbas is to visit Brussels to discuss the deal. The funds will be allocated to Brussels over the next three years. The first annual payment is being paid immediately. Belgium is now the UNRWAs largest donor.
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