Assessing the Effectiveness of United Nations Specialized Agencies in Responding to the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza: UNRWA Versus the World Health Organization
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59675/S326Keywords:
Humanitarian Crises, United Nations Specialized Agencies, UNRWA, World Health Organization, Gaza Strip, Palestine.Abstract
Humanitarian crises in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, represent one of the most complex challenges due to the ongoing blockade and recurrent conflicts, making the intervention of United Nations specialized agencies essential to mitigate their impacts. This study aims to analyze the role of UNRWA and the World Health Organization (WHO) in responding to humanitarian crises in Gaza by clarifying the conceptual framework of humanitarian crises and the role of international organizations in managing them, identifying the legal and organizational foundations of UN specialized agencies, analyzing UNRWA’s efforts in supporting refugees, and assessing WHO’s role in strengthening the health system. The research adopts the descriptive-analytical method to compare the approaches and mechanisms used by both agencies. The findings reveal that UNRWA has demonstrated institutional resilience by continuing to provide education, health, and relief services despite the blockade, while WHO has contributed to supporting the local health system by providing medical supplies, training health workers, and enhancing emergency and epidemic response capacities. The study recommends diversifying funding sources, improving coordination between UN agencies and local authorities through a unified data system, strengthening WHO’s role in supporting health facilities and training staff, and establishing rapid response units to ensure timely and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable groups.
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