The German Social Democratic Party (SPD) has staunchly defended its continued support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), rebuffing calls for its dissolution as short-sighted and lacking a viable alternative for the millions it serves. SPD parliamentary group’s spokesperson for foreign affairs, Adis Ahmetovic, criticized proposals to abandon UNRWA, arguing that dismantling the organization without a concrete replacement plan would create a humanitarian vacuum for approximately 5.9 million Palestinian refugees.
The defense comes in response to comments made by Armin Laschet, chairman of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee, who, according to “Der Spiegel”, has advocated for Germany to sever ties with UNRWA. Laschet purportedly suggested the recent Gaza agreement presents an opportune moment to establish a new refugee assistance body. He further alleged involvement of UNRWA personnel in the October 2023 attacks on Israel, a claim that has fueled calls for drastic action.
Ahmetovic countered that UNRWA’s functions extend far beyond Gaza, providing essential services in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and the West Bank. He accused Laschet of generating “headlines about supposed solutions” and neglecting the need for pragmatic strategies to maintain humanitarian responsibility in the volatile region.
The current German government, following a temporary suspension of payments to UNRWA in the past, has resumed funding for the organization and ongoing support is expected from any future coalition. This stance highlights a significant divergence in opinion within German political circles, exposing an underlying debate about the long-term approach to Palestinian refugees and the complexities of engaging with the UN body given the serious allegations of personnel involvement in terrorist activities. The renewed call for UNRWA’s dismantling raises critical questions about the responsibility to provide humanitarian aid while ensuring accountability and addressing concerns about the agency’s operational integrity.
