The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is facing a severe funding crisis, with a $100 million gap in its budget. This has led to a reduction in service delivery hours by 20% and salary cuts for local personnel.
Background
UNRWA operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services, and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The agency’s funding crisis began when the US, its biggest donor, cut funding in January 2024 due to allegations of UNRWA staff involvement in a deadly attack by Hamas militants.
Other big donors paused their funding while the allegations were investigated, but most have since resumed their contributions. However, the agency still faces a significant funding shortfall, which has jeopardized its ability to meet its mandate.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover the funding gap, stating that UNRWA is a stabilizing force in an age of instability. He also noted that the agency has taken steps to implement reforms and update its policy on outside and political activities following the allegations.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
