The Chris Hedges Report

Episode: To Destroy Gaza, Israel Must Destroy UNRWA
Date: August 21, 2025
Guest: Mara Kronenfeld (Executive Director, UNRWA USA)
Host: Chris Hedges

Episode Overview

Chris Hedges speaks with Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director of UNRWA USA, about Israel’s systematic campaign to destroy civil institutions in Gaza, with particular focus on the targeting and attempted eradication of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The conversation delves into the vital role of UNRWA, the impact of Israel’s actions on Palestinian society and humanitarian aid, the controversial establishment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) as an alleged replacement, and the international response.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Destruction of Gaza’s Civil Society and Institutions ([00:10])

• Israel has targeted all aspects of civil society in Gaza: schools, hospitals, water plants, museums.
• UNRWA, which supports over 5 million Palestinian refugees across the region, is highlighted as Israel’s key target following the October 7 Hamas-led attack.
• Israel accused UNRWA employees of colluding with Hamas, leading to an internal investigation and firing of 9 employees (out of 13,000 in Gaza).
• Funding cuts followed, notably from the U.S., which provided ~30% of UNRWA’s annual budget. Other nations eventually resumed support.
• Quote — Chris Hedges:
  “Israel has methodically destroyed all institutions that sustain civil society in Gaza... But its most important target... is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or UNRWA.” (00:10)

2. Israel’s Legal Assault on UNRWA ([00:10])

• In October 2024, the Knesset passed laws banning UNRWA from operating or representing itself anywhere in Israel.
• In January, UNRWA was banned from Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Since March 2, aid transmission has been completely blocked.
• UNRWA warehouses in Egypt and Jordan have 6,000 trucks’ worth of supplies blocked from entering Gaza.

3. The Essential Role of UNRWA in Gaza ([04:12])

• UNRWA acted as the de facto Ministries of Education, Health, and Civil Affairs in Gaza, running schools, health clinics, and infrastructure repair.
• Over 60% of Gaza’s population before October 7 were refugees served by UNRWA. Today, virtually everyone in Gaza is a refugee.
• 12,000 Palestinian staff remain in Gaza despite the ban, continuing essential humanitarian work.
• Economically, UNRWA is (was) Gaza's largest non-governmental employer, providing stable salaries and supporting local commerce.
• Quote — Mara Kronenfeld:
  “UNRWA really is the moral inverse of GHF... UNRWA was almost, you know, alongside the ruling party of Hamas, was almost kind of governmental operation in the breadth of its services and in the depth of its services.” (04:12)

4. Why Israel Wants UNRWA Gone ([04:12], [09:50])

• UNRWA's existence symbolizes the right of return for Palestinian refugees, a core Israeli concern.
• Israel resented the organization for keeping Palestinians alive and supporting the possibility of a future Palestinian state.
• Attacks on UNRWA installations now extend beyond Gaza to East Jerusalem, Jenin, and elsewhere in the West Bank.
• Quote — Mara Kronenfeld:
  “[UNRWA] is keeping and it has kept and has continued to keep Palestinians alive... that is something clearly this Israeli government... is destroying all potential for that future state.” (04:12)

5. Impact of Ban & Siege on Aid and Economy ([10:40])

• Though international staff withdrew, 12,000+ Gazan UNRWA employees persist, risking their lives and continuing services.
• UNRWA's absence decimates education and humanitarian networks. Destroying its salary base further collapses Gaza's already fragile economy.
• Consequences are widespread malnutrition and starvation; hundreds of children have died from hunger in recent weeks.

6. On-the-Ground Realities: Medical, Sanitary, and Humanitarian Crisis ([13:12])

• UNRWA provides 60% of medical consultations in Gaza, essential for a collapsed hospital system.
• Severe shortages include basic hygiene items (e.g., no sanitary napkins for 700,000+ women; “a silent epidemic”).
• Staff are cleaning toxic waste, repairing water wells, and operating desalination pumps, all under extreme constraints (notably fuel shortages).
• Quote — Mara Kronenfeld:
  “UNRWA staff... are still on the ground and still doing a lot of key essential work.” (04:12)

7. Targeting and Bombing of UNRWA Facilities ([16:03])

• Israel has systematically bombed UNRWA schools and shelters, many clearly marked with the UN flag.
• Destruction of UNRWA shelters has resulted in mass displacement—now unprecedented numbers, including women and children, are sleeping in the streets.
• Israel has also blocked import of tents and shelter materials.
• Quote — Mara Kronenfeld:
  “Each UN building, each UNRWA building has the blue UN flag... So the Israeli military knew very well what it was targeting.” (16:36)

8. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — GHF: A Deadly Substitution ([18:36])

• GHF is portrayed as the “moral and operational inverse of UNRWA,” seen as a tool for control, not aid.
• GHF runs only 4 aid sites (vs. UNRWA’s former 400), favoring able-bodied, desperate men—vulnerable populations (elderly, disabled, widows) are left out.
• Aid distribution at GHF sites described as chaotic, dehumanizing, and dangerous (“like a real-life Squid Game”); people scramble for thrown packages and are shot at by IDF and US mercenaries.
• Testimony of Anthony Aguilar (former U.S. Green Beret) cited, describing GHF as a “killing machine” and documenting war crimes.
• Quote — Mara Kronenfeld:
  “You have people racing into an open area to be the first to be thrown food at and to gather that and fight other people... people are being shot at as they try to seek aid.” (18:51)

9. The Purpose & Consequences of Israel’s “Humanitarian” Plan ([22:41])

• GHF is said to “lure” desperate Gazans south into “concentration camps” surrounded by security, to separate potential militants and control the population (often under the pretext of aid).
• The aid offered is insufficient and impractical (e.g., foods requiring clean water).
• Quote — Mara Kronenfeld:
  “It is not humanitarian in its goal... If this was a humanitarian operation, the dignity of the beneficiaries would be front and center.” (23:22)

10. International Law, Weaponized Aid, and the Erosion of Humanitarian Norms ([25:51])

• The GHF model is cited as a dangerous precedent for “weaponized aid” and intentional starvation, with the risk of its spread to other conflict zones.
• Kronenfeld warns of a new era “for-profit aid distribution” and the decline of post–WWII human rights norms.

11. Current Situation—Aid Inside Gaza ([28:21])

• Virtually no UNRWA stockpiles are left inside Gaza; minuscule quantities enter via partner agencies—“a drop in the bucket.”
• Estimated need: 500–600 trucks/day. Actual deliveries are negligible, prices for basics are astronomical (e.g., $22/kg for flour).

12. International and U.S. Policy: Stalled Political Action ([29:09])

• Governments may talk of recognizing Palestinian statehood, but military aid to Israel continues uninterrupted.
• Kronenfeld notes her organization remains focused on humanitarian work, but as an individual, admits to personal frustration and questions over the lack of effective international action.

13. Legal Warfare: Frivolous Lawsuits Against UNRWA USA ([30:26])

• UNRWA USA faces repeated lawsuits (e.g., by U.S. relatives of October 7 attack survivors, falsely alleging support for Hamas).
• Kronenfeld describes these as “frivolous,” aimed at tying up resources and intimidating pro-Palestinian organizations.
• Quote — Mara Kronenfeld:
  “It is exhausting... We are having to focus on fighting frivolous lawsuits while our exclusive focus should be on saving lives.” (35:17)

14. Emotional Toll on Humanitarians ([37:26])

• Kronenfeld and her staff face deep emotional strain, but she draws strength from colleagues, notably Hani Elmar, who despite personal loss continues frontline relief work.
• Quote — Mara Kronenfeld:
  “My grandfather escaped Nazi Germany... he said, never again. And he meant for anybody, no matter what religion or background. That’s why I do the work I do today.” (37:42)

15. Grassroots Support & Donations ([40:06])

• Massive grassroots donations to UNRWA USA: 171,000 new donors, mostly Americans, since October 2023, with $68 million delivered to Gaza.
• Quote — Mara Kronenfeld:
  “The American people have stepped up while our government has stepped down.” (40:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “UNRWA really is the moral inverse of GHF.” — Mara Kronenfeld (04:12)
• “You have people racing into an open area to be the first to be thrown food at... people are being shot at as they try to seek aid.” — Mara Kronenfeld (18:51)
• “It is exhausting. We are having to focus on fighting frivolous lawsuits while our exclusive focus should be on saving lives.” — Mara Kronenfeld (35:17)
• “My grandfather escaped Nazi Germany... he said, never again. And he meant for anybody, no matter what religion or background...” — Mara Kronenfeld (37:42)
• “The American people have stepped up while our government has stepped down.” — Mara Kronenfeld (40:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:10 | Israeli campaign against Gaza civil society and UNRWA overview| | 04:12 | Mara Kronenfeld describes UNRWA’s role and Israel’s motives | | 09:50 | Economic impact of UNRWA & attacks on facilities | | 13:12 | Humanitarian situation & how staff operate under siege | | 16:03 | Targeting of UNRWA buildings & consequences | | 18:36 | GHF as “inverse of UNRWA” & lethal aid distribution | | 22:41 | GHF’s real purpose: population control/displacement | | 25:51 | Weaponized aid & erosion of humanitarian law | | 28:21 | Current status of aid stocks in Gaza | | 29:09 | International response and ongoing U.S. arms supplies | | 30:26 | Lawsuits and propaganda against UNRWA USA | | 37:26 | Emotional toll on humanitarian workers | | 40:06 | Donor support and donation information |

Final Notes

• UNRWA remains essential yet embattled, with its staff continuing critical work against extraordinary odds.
• The Israeli-imposed humanitarian blockade, legal persecution, and weaponization of aid are reshaping norms of war and humanitarian action.
• Massive grassroots support from ordinary Americans fills some gaps left by political inaction.
• The episode is an important testament to both the staggering adversity faced by Palestinians and aid workers, and the resilience that persists nonetheless.

To support UNRWA USA:

• unrwausa.org/donate

For Gaza Soup Kitchen (mentioned, no direct link given):

• Search “Gaza Soup Kitchen” online for donation opportunities.

(Summary concludes at 42:38, before the closing credits and acknowledgements.)