US-led Board of Peace says Unrwa will have no role in Gaza

The US-led Board of Peace has said the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, will have no role in Gaza, echoing a longstanding Israeli demand to sideline the organisation. The board, which has been tasked with overseeing the Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction, said it would work only with partners it considers “reliable” and capable of meeting the needs of Gaza’s population. It added that Unrwa does not meet that standard. The decision comes days after the board unveiled a multibillion-dollar plan to begin rebuilding Gaza, following years of Israeli military operations that have devastated the territory. Hamas has criticised the board’s decision to exclude Unrwa, which provides education, health care and other services to millions of Palestinian refugees.