In the February 2 editorial, chief editor Svein Gjerdåker of “Dag og Tid” (highly respected Norwegian cultural and political weekly journal), discusses the UN’s role in Gaza in light of the fact that a number of states have decided to put financial support for UNRWA on hold. Norwegian Government and the main stream Norwegian media believe that we have no choice and must trust the UN and continue our support for UNRWA in Gaza.
A highly respected NGO “UN Watch” has a different point of view. In his testimony before the US Congress (31.1), Hillel Neuer, who is the Executive Director of UN Watch, showed concrete published evidence that UNRWA has been involved in unacceptable political activities for at least 9 years. This includes, among other things, systematic incitement (already from kindergarten age) to Jihad terrorism, praise of Adolf Hitler and incitement to the slaughter of Jews. UN Watch has on several occasions informed UNRWA, the UN and the whole world about these activities, but they have been constantly ignored. (full testimony is on YouTube).
According to UN Watch, UNRWA is not the solution, but has become part of the Palestinian problem and an obstacle to peace. UNRWA has become a political agency with the aim of maintaining the idea that the war of 1948 is not over. Since its establishment in 1949, UNRWA schools have taught Palestinians that Gaza is only their temporary home and it is only a matter of time before they will conquer the entire country. The motto is: “From the river to the sea”. The tunnels that Hamas built with the help of UNRWA funds are an instrument of this conquest.
In his closing remarks, Hillier calls for the dissolution of UNRWA because the agency has failed in its original mission and cannot be reformed. To answer the question “what is the alternative to UN aid in Gaza in the short term”, Hillier claims that the urgent humanitarian aid needed in Gaza in the short term is not a major problem. According to Hillier, there are a number of other humanitarian organizations with good infrastructure that can be mobilized at short notice. These include, among others, the UN World Food Program, UN Development organizations, the Red Cross, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Hillier believes that those pushing for the continuation of UNRWA do not understand the Middle East conflict or are more interested in abolishing Israel.
In addition to the dissolution of UNRWA. the following steps must be implemented. These ideas are based on the experiences in the aftermath (“The Day After”) of the Second World War in Germany and Japan. In parallel with a permanent ceasefire, Hamas must be demilitarized and a new interim administration must be put in place to help the people of Gaza rebuild society (schools, hospitals, social services, rebuilding housing, etc.). This administration cannot be under the auspices of the UN as this organization has repeatedly failed in its mission of peace in the Middle East. The administration should include countries that are the biggest donors to UNRWA such as the EU, NATO. If these countries refuse to take this role, then it must be Israel that fills the vacuum left by Hamas. The new administration will ensure that there are no subversive activities among the Gaza population that pose an existential threat to Israel. This includes, among other things, corruption and the spread of anti-Semitic propaganda. Such activities will be subject to strict disciplinary measures in accordance with the rules imposed by the administration. As in the case of Germany and Japan, this will eventually lead to a prosperous independent, peaceful, and well-deserved Palestinian state alongside Israel as its good neighbor.
*Jiri Muller was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1951. He has lived in England, Sweden and Norway. He has Ph.D in Quantum Chemistry from University of Durham.
