World Peace

recent posts

about

Hello, World. I am Naeema. I was born and raised in Somalia. I am a survivor of the Somali Civil War. After sometime in a Kenyan refugee camp, I was granted a home in the United States (Anaheim, CA) in November 1993 by the Clinton Administration and a relative). I am a proud citizen of the United States after passing my naturalization test (2/2003). I graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and University of San Francisco School of Law. I studied the Qur’an (over 30 years) and International Human Rights Law. I am a humanitarian. I am doing my part to work for World Peace. Thanks, World.

LEARNING IN GAZA

THE UNRWA IN GAZA

What is the UNRWA and what does it do in Gaza?

GoogleAI Mode: “The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the primary humanitarian organization responsible for providing essential services to approximately 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees. 

Established by the UN General Assembly in 1949 following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, it is unique as the only UN agency dedicated to a specific regional refugee group. 

UNRWA Operations in Gaza

In the Gaza Strip, UNRWA serves as the “backbone” of humanitarian response, directly providing services to roughly 1.4 to 1.6 million residents. Its key activities include: 

Healthcare: It is the top provider of primary care in Gaza, delivering over 10,000 medical consultations daily through its network of clinics and mobile teams.

Emergency Relief: The agency distributes critical food parcels, flour, and water to nearly the entire population. In 2025 alone, it distributed 880,000 cubic meters of water.

Education & Shelters: While formal schooling has been largely suspended due to the conflict, UNRWA operates nearly 100 schools as temporary shelters for hundreds of thousands of displaced persons. It also provides “learning spaces” and psychosocial support to over 520,000 children.

Sanitation: Its teams manage waste collection and maintain hygiene in overcrowded shelters to prevent disease outbreaks.

Employment: With approximately 11,000–13,000 local Palestinian staff in Gaza, it is a major employer, providing critical income in a region with extreme unemployment.

Recent Status and Controversies (2025–2026)

The agency’s role has become highly contentious following Israeli allegations that some staff participated in the October 7, 2023, attacks. 

Israeli Ban: In January 2025, Israeli legislation went into effect banning UNRWA from operating in Israeli-controlled territory and severing all official contacts with the agency.

Funding Shifts: While many international donors suspended then resumed funding, the U.S. government extended its funding prohibition through March 2025.

Current Reality: As of February 2026, UNRWA continues to operate in Gaza despite severe resource shortages, staff layoffs, and the destruction of much of its infrastructure.”

REMOTE LEARNING IN GAZA

GoogleAI Mode: “UNRWA is currently providing remote learning and non-formal education to approximately 296,000 children in Gaza through a suite of digital tools designed to bypass the destruction of physical schools. 

As of early February 2026, the key digital strategies and tools include:

  1. The Digital Learning Platform (DLP)

The UNRWA Digital Learning Platform (DLP) is the primary hub for distance education. Originally developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been scaled up as a centralized, mobile-friendly resource for students in Grades 1–9. 

Vetted Content: To address neutrality concerns, all digital materials—including PDFs, videos, and quizzes—undergo a rigorous three-step review process to ensure they align with UN principles.

Interactive Features: The platform uses Microsoft Teams to connect students with teachers, allowing for real-time questions and support despite physical displacement.

Offline Access: For those with limited internet, an offline mobile application provides localized access to literacy and numeracy lessons for younger students (Grades 1–3). 

  1. Moodle Examination & Tracking

Secure Exams: The UNRWA Moodle System is an electronic platform used for administering formal exams and tracking student results securely, ensuring that students can still earn academic credentials while living in shelters. 

  1. Supplemental Digital Media

UNRWA TV: The Agency operates an educational YouTube channel featuring teacher-led tutorials in core subjects like Arabic, Math, and English. This is used in combination with printed self-learning cards for students in areas with zero connectivity.

Mental Health Support: Digital tools are also used to deliver psychosocial support (PSS) through specialized apps and messaging services to help children cope with trauma. 

  1. Modernization Strategy (2026–2029)

eUNRWA Platform: Under the new Strategic Plan 2026–2029, UNRWA is scaling up the eUNRWA platform to reinforce identity verification and eligibility for education and health services.

ICT for Education (ICT4E): The agency is working to expand internet connectivity and device access as part of its goal to transform Gaza’s education system into a 21st-century digital-first model. 

Despite these innovations, the 2026 Flash Appeal highlights that telecommunications blackouts and power shortages remain the greatest barriers to reaching the children who need these digital tools most.”

CONNECTIVITY HUBS

GoogleAI Mode: “To combat the frequent telecommunications blackouts and the lack of electricity, UNRWA and its partners are deploying Connectivity Hubs within Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) to act as digital lifelines for displaced students.

  1. Infrastructure of a Connectivity Hub

Each hub is designed to be self-sustaining and “off-grid” to ensure education continues even when Gaza’s central infrastructure fails:

Solar Power Kits: Every hub is equipped with solar panels and battery storage to power tablets, laptops, and satellite internet receivers.

Satellite Internet: Due to the destruction of over 80% of local cell towers, hubs increasingly rely on satellite links to bypass the damaged local network and connect directly to the UNRWA Digital Learning Platform.

Local Intranets (Offline Servers): To save bandwidth, many hubs use “box” servers (like Rachel or Kolibri). These store the entire UNRWA curriculum locally, allowing dozens of students to access videos and quizzes without needing an active internet connection.

  1. Deployment in Shelters

As of February 2026, UNRWA has established over 450 temporary learning spaces across Gaza, with connectivity hubs prioritized in the largest displacement camps:

Safe Zones: Hubs are housed in reinforced tents or partially repaired UNRWA school buildings that have been vetted for structural safety.

Charging Stations: Beyond education, these hubs often serve the wider community as mobile charging points, allowing parents to keep phones charged for emergency alerts and medical evacuation updates.

  1. The “Digital Facilitator” Model

Since many of Gaza’s 20,000 teachers are also displaced, the hubs utilize a “facilitator” system:

Youth Volunteers: Educated youth within the camps are trained as Digital Facilitators. They help younger children navigate the tablets and troubleshoot hardware issues.

Blended Learning: Students spend part of their day on the Digital Learning Platform and the other part in “healing circles” led by counselors to address war-related trauma.

  1. Security Challenges

Targeting Risks: Maintaining high-tech equipment in a conflict zone is difficult. UNRWA uses the Humanitarian Notification System (HNS) to inform all parties of the coordinates of these hubs to prevent accidental strikes.

Vandalism & Scarcity: In areas of extreme deprivation, solar panels and batteries are high-value items; community committees are often formed to guard the hubs at night.”

FROM HUBS TO HIGH-TECH SCHOOLS

GoogleAI Mode: “The UNRWA Strategic Plan 2026–2029 is a “recalibration” of previous goals, specifically designed to navigate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The plan aims to transition from temporary “tent hubs” into a permanent, modernized education system through the following key strategies: 

  1. The Digital Transformation Strategy

UNRWA is shifting from emergency remote learning to a long-term digital-first model.

eUNRWA Platform: This centralized hub will serve as the core requirement for accessing services, including identity verification and school registration.

ICT4E Initiative: The Information and Communication Technology for Education (ICT4E) initiative is modernizing how 290,000 students learn by:

Developing an Admissions and Parent Portal for better communication and data tracking.

Expanding device access for both in-school and remote learning.

Establishing an online platform for technical and vocational training (TVET) to align with modern labor markets. 

  1. Rebuilding and Rehabilitation

The physical transition back to permanent schools is a massive undertaking included in the $70 billion total reconstruction estimate.

Facility Assessment: UNRWA is currently assessing its installations in newly accessible areas to restore the functionality and safety of critical education infrastructure.

92% Reconstruction Need: Approximately 91.8% of UNRWA schools in Gaza require major reconstruction. The plan prioritizes rebuilding these as “21st-century schools” equipped with the digital infrastructure piloted in the tent hubs. 

  1. Strategic “Agility” and Resilience

Because the environment remains volatile, the 2026–2029 plan is built on a shorter-than-usual three-year horizon to allow for regular recalibration. 

Field-Differentiated Strategies: Each field office (like Gaza) is developing a context-specific strategy to move from emergency “Flash Appeal” status to a stabilized development trajectory.

Humanitarian Reset: The plan situates UNRWA within a wider “Humanitarian Reset”, focusing on strengthening refugee resilience and safeguarding the continuity of core services even if political conditions shift. 

  1. Teacher Capacity Building

Transitioning to high-tech schools requires a new set of skills for the 8,000 dedicated teachers in Gaza.

Digital Pedagogy: Teachers and school principals are receiving specialized training on how to integrate remote and digital learning approaches into standard classroom environments.

Online Support: Counsellors are being trained to provide psychosocial support online, ensuring that mental health care remains available regardless of physical school closures.”

STRATEGIC PLAN 2026-2029 FUNDING

PART I

GoogleAI Mode: “UNRWA is funding its Strategic Plan 2026–2029 through a new “Resource Mobilisation and Outreach Strategy” designed to diversify income away from traditional, volatile government grants toward more stable, private, and Islamic social finance. 

The plan follows a record-breaking year in 2024 where the agency raised $1.4 billion, yet faced a budget that only covered 51% of actual needs. 

  1. Key Funding Pillars (2026–2029)

Multi-Year Strategic Partnerships: To ensure “predictable” funding, UNRWA is securing long-term commitments. Recent examples include:

Iraq: A $30 million commitment over three years (2026–2028).

Norway: Core funding of $17.3 million (NOK 175 million) annually for 2026–2027.

Qatar Fund for Development: A $20 million core agreement for 2025–2026.

Islamic Social Finance: The agency is significantly expanding its reach into Zakat, Sadaqah, and Sadaqah Jariyah to tap into global Muslim philanthropy.

Private Sector & Crowdfunding: Private sector income rose to $153.6 million in 2024 (11% of total income). UNRWA is now targeting high-net-worth individuals and grassroots digital giving through National Committees like UNRWA USA, which alone sent nearly $80 million to the Gaza Emergency Fund recently. 

  1. Current Financial Outlook for 2026

The transition is currently threatened by severe immediate shortfalls: 

Budget Gap: UNRWA faces a $220 million deficit in its 2026 budget, leading to recent staff cuts and a warning of “imminent financial collapse” by mid-2026 if member states do not fulfill obligations.

U.S. Funding Freeze: As of February 4, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a defense budget that strictly bars all US funding for UNRWA. Historically, the U.S. was the agency’s largest donor, contributing over $338 million annually in previous years. 

  1. The “Board of Peace” (BoP) Dynamic

There is a growing friction between the UN’s emergency appeals and the U.S.-led reconstruction plan:

Flash Appeal 2026: UNRWA is seeking $1.26 billion for its 2026 Flash Appeal to provide immediate life-saving aid.

Reconstruction vs. Relief: UN officials have cautioned that the Board of Peace’s $70 billion reconstruction plan must not distract from the fact that Gazans “cannot wait” for long-term construction and require immediate, funded humanitarian supplies. 

Funding Type 
Government Partners
~80% – 93%

Strategy for 2026–2029
Shift to multi-year agreements to reduce year-to-year volatility.

Funding Type 
Private Sector~11%

Strategy for 2026–2029
Expand digital engagement and philanthropic partnerships.

Funding Type 
Islamic Finance
Growing

Strategy for 2026–2029
Formalize Zakat and Sadaqah programs.

Funding Type 
UN Regular Budget~5%

Strategy for 2026–2029
Primarily covers core administrative costs.”

PART II: THE LOSS OF U.S. FUNDING

GoogleAI Mode: “The loss of U.S. funding—which historically covered one-third of UNRWA’s budget—has fundamentally destabilized the Agency’s ability to achieve its Strategic Plan 2026–2029. As of February 4, 2026, the U.S. has officially codified this withdrawal in its new defense budget, leaving UNRWA with a $220 million shortfall just to meet core obligations this year. 

The impact on health and education targets includes:

  1. Impact on Education Targets

The goal of transitioning to high-tech, permanent schools is now severely hindered:

Teacher Terminations: UNRWA has already begun dropping hundreds of staff from its payroll due to the cash crisis. In Gaza, this has halted the recruitment of new teachers, leading to chronic overcrowding in remaining schools.

Infrastructure Delays: The plan to rebuild 92% of Gaza’s schools as “21st-century” facilities is stuck; current funding is barely sufficient to maintain temporary learning spaces (TLS).

Enrollment Crisis: Approximately 660,000 children in Gaza currently remain out of formal school. Without U.S. funds, UNRWA warned it may not be able to maintain its current scope and quality of education beyond mid-2026.

  1. Impact on Healthcare Targets

The Strategic Plan’s aim to expand e-health and stabilize primary care is facing “imminent collapse”: 

Payroll Uncertainty: UNRWA manages its cash flow week-by-week. Without the large U.S. contribution typically received in January, the agency has no visibility on payroll for its medical staff beyond the first quarter of 2026.

Clinic Closures: Critical clinics that served as lifelines for stateless Palestinians are threatened with closure. Globally, U.S. aid cuts are projected to leave 95 million people without basic healthcare access, with Gaza’s population being among the most vulnerable.

Operational Risk: The Agency is operating under “drastic cost control measures,” which restrict the purchase of medicines and life-saving supplies needed to meet the plan’s health targets. 

  1. The Search for Alternatives

To survive the U.S. defunding, UNRWA is forced to pivot:

Resource Gap: The U.S. move accounts for roughly 87% of the Agency’s total budget shortfall.

New Pledges: While Iraq, Norway, and Qatar have stepped in with multi-year deals, these do not yet cover the vacuum left by the U.S..

“Board of Peace” Alternative: The Trump administration is pushing for alternative efforts to provide humanitarian aid, suggesting that the newly formed Board of Peace should take over the functions traditionally handled by UNRWA.”

DONATING TO GAZA

PART I

GoogleAI Mode: “To directly support the immediate humanitarian needs in Gaza for 2026, you can contribute through the following verified channels. Both options are designed to provide rapid relief during the current funding crisis.

To directly support humanitarian needs in conflict zones, you can contribute through verified organizations that provide rapid relief during crises. Many international aid organizations are on the ground and providing essential services such as food, shelter, and medical care.

Look for reputable organizations with a strong track record and transparency in their operations. Many organizations offer different ways to donate, including general relief funds and specific appeals for urgent needs. You can often donate online through their websites via credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Some organizations also have national committees that allow for tax-deductible donations in certain countries.

For larger contributions, some organizations accept in-kind donations of essential supplies like medical equipment or educational materials. You can typically find information about their current needs and how to contribute on their websites.

It is important to research organizations before donating to ensure they are legitimate and that your contribution will be used effectively for humanitarian purposes.”

PART II: HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS DONATIONS

GoogleAI Mode: “As of February 2026, several major humanitarian organizations remain active on the ground in Gaza, though many are facing extreme regulatory challenges and potential bans. 

  1. Top-Rated Global Relief Organizations

These organizations have extensive infrastructure and transparent reporting, though several are currently appealing Israeli orders to cease operations by March 1, 2026, due to new staff-vetting regulations. 

Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS): The leading provider of emergency medical and ambulance services within Gaza. They work in direct partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Egyptian Red Crescent to manage aid trucks entering through the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings.

World Food Programme (WFP): Currently fighting acute famine by feeding roughly 1.6 million people each month through food parcels, hot meals, and supporting local bakeries.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF): One of the largest medical providers, supporting six public hospitals and running two field hospitals. Note: Israel has ordered MSF to leave by February 28, 2026, after the group refused to share a list of its Palestinian staff details.

Islamic Relief Worldwide: A major nonprofit providing a comprehensive range of support, including water systems, hygiene kits, and orphan sponsorship. 

  1. Specialized Medical & Child Support

Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): Focuses exclusively on pediatric care, including rebuilding Gaza’s only pediatric cancer department and providing mental health services for children.

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP): A UK-based organization that delivers essential medical services and supplies directly to Gazan hospitals.

UNICEF: Focused on child protection and critical infrastructure, such as desalination plants that provide water for over 75,000 people. 

  1. Emergency Infrastructure & Food

World Central Kitchen (WCK): Operates a network of relief teams and local kitchens to provide millions of meals.

Anera: A non-political organization that coordinates with local partners to deliver immediate emergency relief and infrastructure repair.

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC): A Quaker-led organization that has been providing humanitarian support in Palestine for decades. 

Summary of Regulatory Challenges (2026)

On January 1, 2026, Israel prohibited 37 international organizations—including Oxfam, Save the Children, and the International Rescue Committee—from operating unless they complied with new registration rules. Many of these groups continue to operate under a “grace period” while seeking legal avenues to stay.”

PART III: UNRWA DONATIONS

GoogleAI Mode: “To donate to UNRWA, you can use several secure methods depending on your location and preferred method of payment. 

  1. Online Donations (Direct)

The official global platform for the agency is donate.unrwa.org. 

Accepted Methods: Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, and SEPA.

Currency Options: Supports multiple currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, AED, CAD, and more.

Specific Appeals: You can earmark your gift for the Gaza Emergency, Sadaqah, or the “Back to Learning” campaign to support education. 

  1. Zakat-Certified Giving 

UNRWA maintains a Sharia-compliant 100% Zakat Fund where no administrative fees are deducted from the donation. 

Target: Funds are strictly used for food and cash assistance for eligible refugees.

Certification: Endorsed by Al-Azhar and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy.

Where to give: Use the specialized Zakat Portal. 

  1. For Donors in the USA

Due to recent legal restrictions on direct US government funding, Americans are encouraged to give through the independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, UNRWA USA. 

Tax Benefits: Donations to UNRWA USA are tax-deductible.

Additional Giving Ways: Beyond credit cards, they accept PayPal, check, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and stock donations.

Mailing Address:
UNRWA USA
PO Box 18697
Washington, DC 20036.

  1. Bank Transfers

You can also donate directly via bank transfer in various currencies. Detailed instructions for USD and JOD accounts (Safwa Islamic Bank) are available on the Zakat details page. 

Feature
Tax Deductible?

Direct UNRWA
Country dependent

UNRWA USA
Yes (US only)

Feature
Admin Fee

Direct UNRWA
11% (0% for Zakat)

UNRWA USA
Varies (0% for Zakat)

Feature
Crypto/Stock?

Direct UNRWA
No

UNRWA USA
Yes

Feature
Currency

Direct UNRWA
Multi-currency

UNRWA USA
USD.”

PART IV: COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING

GoogleAI Mode: “Organizing a community fundraiser is one of the most effective ways to support Palestine refugees, especially given the current funding challenges. You can choose from structured national events or host your own personalized gathering. 

  1. Participate in the Gaza 5K (February 2026) 

The Gaza 5K is a signature UNRWA USA tradition that raises funds for mental health care and trauma support for refugee children. 

Atlanta Event: The next major in-person race is the Atlanta Gaza 5K on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park.

Virtual Participation: If you aren’t in Atlanta, you can register as a virtual participant and run or walk in your own neighborhood while using the Gaza 5K fundraising platform to collect donations.

Perks: Raising $100+ typically earns you an official 2026 Gaza 5K shirt designed by Palestinian artists. 

  1. Host a “Gather for Gaza” Event 

The “Gather for Gaza” toolkit provides a step-by-step guide for turning any social get-together into a fundraiser. 

Event Ideas: Consider hosting a shared meal with music, a game night, a birthday celebration with a cause, or a benefit night with a local business.

Student Groups: University and school organizations are encouraged to host lectures or campus gatherings to educate peers on the refugee situation.

Resources: You can sign up online to automatically generate a personal fundraising page and link to share with your network. 

  1. Strategic Tips for Success

Personalize Your Story: Campaigns are four times more likely to succeed when you add a personal photo, video, or a specific reason why this cause matters to you.

Set Clear Goals: Establishing a motivating target amount helps your community feel they are helping you cross a finish line.

Amplify Awareness: Use ready-to-use graphics and social media templates to fight misinformation while you fundraise.

Follow #DignityIsPriceless: Use this hashtag on social media to connect with a global community of UNRWA supporters. 

Important Note: Organizers are responsible for all event costs; UNRWA cannot provide funding for event expenses.”

Posted in

Leave a comment