Israel intensifies bombardment of Gaza City, causing surge in civilian displacement

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a UN agency established in 1949 by General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to Palestine refugees displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict[4][6]. Beginning operations in 1950 with about 750,000 registered refugees, UNRWA now serves approximately 5.9 million Palestine refugees across five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank including East Jerusalem[3][4]. UNRWA’s mandate is unique in its long-term commitment to one refugee group, offering a comprehensive range of services including education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance, especially during armed conflicts[3][4][6]. Its education programs focus on systemic change and human development goals, while health services emphasize preventive and curative care, including screening and treatment for chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions[3]. Environmental health initiatives ensure safe drinking water and sanitation to reduce disease risks within refugee camps[3]. The agency is funded almost entirely through voluntary contributions from UN Member States, with a minor portion from the UN Regular Budget predominantly for international staffing costs[2][4]. UNRWA employs nearly 30,000 staff, the vast majority of whom are refugees themselves, thereby fostering community involvement and empowerment[3]. Despite facing ongoing challenges due to the protracted nature of the refugee situation and regional instability, UNRWA remains the largest service provider to Palestine refugees, with its mandate repeatedly renewed, most recently extended through mid-2023[4]. Notably, UNRWA plays a critical role in supporting the human development and protection of four generations of Palestine refugees, addressing rising poverty, food insecurity, and youth unemployment, particularly among young women, while striving to enhance sustainable livelihoods for this vulnerable population[3][6]. Its enduring presence and multifacete

**Hamas** is a Sunni Islamist Palestinian nationalist organization that functions both as a political party and a militant group, primarily operating in the Gaza Strip, which it has governed since 2007. Founded in 1987 by Ahmed Yassin amid the First Intifada, Hamas emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood and initially had covert Israeli support as a counterweight to the secular Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO)[3][1]. It combines political governance with an armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, committed to armed resistance against Israel, which it refuses to recognize as a legitimate state[1][3]. Hamas’s political rise culminated in a 2006 electoral victory in the Palestinian Legislative Council, campaigning on anti-corruption and resistance platforms. After violently seizing Gaza from the rival Fatah faction in 2007, Hamas has maintained de facto control there despite international isolation and blockades imposed by Israel and Egypt[3]. Its governance has been marked by repeated conflicts with Israel, including major wars in 2008–09, 2012, 2014, 2021, and the ongoing intense conflict triggered by Hamas’s surprise October 2023 attack killing nearly 1,200 Israelis and taking hostages[1][2][3]. Hamas benefits from regional support, especially from Iran, which supplies funding and weapons, as well as financial and political backing from Turkey and Qatar. These alliances form part of a broader "axis of resistance" against Israel, which includes groups like Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad[2]. Hamas also operates fundraising networks globally, sometimes using charities as fronts to support its military activities[4]. The group is designated a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States, which has increased military aid to Israel following recent escalations[2][6]. Despite modifying its 1988 charter in 2017 to soften some language, Hamas continues to reject Israel’s legitimacy and pursues all forms of resistance[1]. Its enduring political

The Israeli military, officially known as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), is a highly integrated and technologically advanced defense organization. Established in 1948 following Israel's declaration of independence, the IDF has evolved into a robust force comprising the army, navy, and air force. Its core mission is to protect Israel's sovereignty and security in a region with multiple strategic challenges. ## History and Evolution The IDF's history is marked by adaptability and innovation. Initially structured as a ground-forces army with air and naval support, it has transformed over the years to incorporate cutting-edge technology and specialized units. The IDF has played a pivotal role in numerous conflicts, including the 1967 Six-Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where it demonstrated its strategic capabilities. ## Key Achievements - **Technological Advancements**: The IDF is renowned for its technological prowess, particularly in missile defense systems like the Arrow and Iron Dome. These innovations have significantly enhanced Israel's defense capabilities. - **Specialized Units**: The IDF boasts elite units such as the Paratroopers and the Commando Brigade, which have been instrumental in counter-terrorism operations. - **International Cooperation**: The IDF has fostered close military relations with the United States, contributing to joint projects and strategic planning. ## Current Status Today, the IDF faces a complex security landscape with multiple fronts, including threats from Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iranian proxies. In response, Israel is debating future force structures, emphasizing strategic planning, technological integration, and regional defense alliances. ## Notable Aspects - **Integration and Innovation**: The IDF's structure combines air, ground, and sea forces more closely than most militaries, allowing for rapid mobilization and coordination. - **Conscription and Reserves**: The IDF relies heavily on conscription and a well-trained reserve force, ensuring a robust military capability despite its relatively small active-duty component. - **Societal Impact**: Beyond defense, the IDF plays a significant role