The key facts

  • UNRWA reported an $80 million cash shortfall and long-term financial risks.
  • Guterres, according to his spokesperson, is 'fully committed to protecting' the agency.
  • The agency operates in five regions: Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

Agency statement and UN response

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) warned on Thursday that unprecedented financial pressure, reduced global contributions, and increasingly restrictive operating conditions threaten its ability to maintain essential services. According to the agency, it faces an $80 million cash shortfall, while accumulated obligations and regular operational expenses pose long-term risks to its sustainability. This is reported by Anadolu.

Guterres' position

On Friday, UN Secretary-General's spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that António Guterres is 'fully committed to protecting UNRWA in carrying out its fundamental role in supporting Palestine refugees' and reiterated the call to fully fund the agency's vital work. The statement came amid reports, as noted by Anadolu, that Israel has been imposing legal, administrative, and practical obstacles to UNRWA's operations in the occupied Palestinian territories in recent years.

Who is affected by the shortfall

The agency emphasizes that it continues to provide Palestine refugees with education, healthcare, relief, and other essential services across five operational fields: in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Thus, it is precisely these services for refugees in all regions where UNRWA operates that are at risk due to potential funding cuts. No specific measures to address the shortfall have been disclosed in available publications.