The Chris Hedges Report To Destroy Gaza, Israel Must Destroy UNRWA (w/ Mara Kronenfeld) | The Chris Hedges Report
Aug 21, 2025
Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director of UNRWA USA, discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza exacerbated by operational restrictions and funding cuts. She highlights UNRWA's critical role in providing essential services amid ongoing violence and legal challenges. Kronenfeld critiques the international community's hypocrisy and emphasizes the importance of supporting Palestinian rights. The conversation also touches on the emotional toll on humanitarian workers and showcases the grassroots efforts to raise funds for immediate aid in Gaza.
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Political Roots Of The Attack On UNRWA
- Israel's long-standing hostility to UNRWA links to concerns about the 'right of return' and unwillingness to assume responsibility for Palestinian welfare.
- That political dimension contributes to sustained efforts to delegitimize the agency.
UNRWA Holds Gaza's Fragile Health Systems
- UNRWA provides 60% of medical consultations and leads water, sanitation, and toxic-waste cleanup in Gaza.
- Its operational capacity is critically limited by fuel and blocked supplies from Israel.
UN Flags And Destroyed School Shelters
- Mara describes that UN buildings clearly displayed blue UN flags on their roofs while being targeted by Israeli strikes.
- She notes many destroyed UNRWA shelters under schools forced generations to sleep outdoors for the first time in Gaza.