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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN chief says UN agency for Palestinian refugees nearing 'breaking point' <p>By Andrea Shalal</p><p>June 30 (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged countries to cover a $100 million gap in funding for the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, saying the body was nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures.</p><p>Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall.</p>

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged countries to cover a $100 million funding gap for the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, saying the body was nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UNRWA funding dries up, UN lays out four alternatives for donors Core funding to UNRWA recently released by the EU, Germany, and Spain have helped the UN agency for Palestinian refugees operate through the summer, but it lacks funding for the three last months of the year, figures obtained byDevelopment Todayshow. Among Gulf states, only Qatar has made a significant pledge. A UN report warns that UNRWA faces “disorderly collapse” in the coming months and presents donors with four options for the agency’s future. Gaza, July 30, 2025  (Photo: UNRWA) For subscribers, please log in. To become a subscriber or to read one free article, click below. Login or subscribe

UN Chief Urges Nations to Close $100 Million UNRWA Funding Gap United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appealed to member states to urgently fill a $100 million funding gap facing the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), warning that the agency is approaching a breaking point after implementing deep austerity measures and cost-cutting efforts. Speaking at an ad hoc U.N. General Assembly meeting on voluntary contributions, Guterres said UNRWA’s financial situation has become increasingly fragile due to severe funding shortages and operational restrictions across the occupied Palestinian territories. He stressed that the agency’s worsening liquidity crisis threatens its ability to continue delivering essential humanitarian services to millions of Palestinian refugees. UNRWA operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, providing education, healthcare, emergency aid, shelter, and social services to approximately 2.6 million Palestinians. The agency’s finances were significantly impacted after the United States, previously its largest donor, suspended funding in January 2024 following Israeli allegations that severa…

UNRWA chief warns services for Palestine refugees at risk amid funding cuts ​​​​​​WASHINGTON The head of the UN agency for Palestine refugees, or UNRWA, warned Thursday that a severe funding shortfall threatens essential services for millions across the region. “Unlike in previous years, the projected income in the first quarter of 2026 is too low to absorb a large deficit from 2025,” Philippe Lazzarini told the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee in New York. “In the absence of a significant influx of new funding, the delivery of critical services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the region will be compromised,” he said. Lazzarini said the agency faces a shortfall of about $200 million between the end of 2025 and early 2026, and “it may not be possible to maintain UNRWA’s operations at their current scope and quality.” He noted that UNRWA provides 40% of all primary health care in the Gaza Strip and educates hundreds of thousands of children. The agency is “vital to the survival of millions of Palestinians,” he said. Curtailing operations would have “grave consequences” for regional stability, particularly in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, acco…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

Ending UNWRA services would imperil political way forward: Lazzarini FacebookTwitterPrintEmail Lack of sufficient funds is jeopardizing the ability of the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) to operate, the head of the agency said on Thursday. Speaking to the General Assembly,UNRWACommissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, argued that the agency is indispensable for the stability and rebuilding of the shattered Gaza Strip – and the wider region. He underlined that a “virulent” disinformation campaign has tarnished its reputation and strangled its funds. “Curtailing or ending UNRWA’s services will have grave consequences for the region,” warned Mr. Lazzarini. “In Gaza, it would undermine stabilisation and recovery, jeopardising a political path forward.” UNRWA has been operating since 1950, providing basic services, protection and humanitarian assistance to Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Check out our UN Newsexplainer here on the agencyin the wake of the Israeli Knesset’s decision to outlaw UNRWA last year. In 2024, the agency provided emergency food assistance to approxi…

UN chief says UN agency for Palestinian refugees nearing 'breaking point' https://arab.news/wa462 UN Secretary-General Antonio ​Guterres on Tuesday urged countries to cover a $100 million gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, saying the body was nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures.Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA’s situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, health care, social services and ‌shelter to ‌2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA’s biggest donor, ​but ‌cut ⁠funding in ​January 2024 ⁠after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff of taking part in the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its 2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions.Guterres said the agency’s liquidi…

UN Chief Warns Cash Crunch Threatens Palestinian Refugee Agency UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Tuesday of the "increasingly precarious" situation of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees known as UNRWA, saying that millions of people's livelihoods were at risk. The secretary-general said that further funding cuts for UNRWA -- which Israel has criticized as politically biased -- could "push conditions beyond breaking point." Because of insufficient funding, UNRWA has scaled back its operations since the start of the year. "As we meet here today, the safety and welfare of millions of Palestine refugees hangs in the balance," Guterres told a donor conference for the UN agency. He noted the "utterly appalling" living conditions in Gaza, violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and Israeli strikes on Lebanon. "It [UNRWA] faces sweeping restrictions throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory. And a cash shortfall that imperils its work across the region," Guterres said. "I am appalled by continuing efforts to marginalize and undermine UNRWA through disinformation, smear campaigns, legislative actions, operational restrictions, diplomatic roadblocks and more," he said. Israel …

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

Washington's UNRWA funding freeze is destroying hope, agency's US chief ... Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza At a critical moment for the fragile Gaza ceasefire, a Republican-led Washington appears more determined than ever to halt all aid to the UN's Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA . Mara Kronenfeld, executive director of UNRWA USA, which raises private funding for the aid agency, said people in the US are rallying to support UNRWA but warned a lack of funding is thwarting efforts to build stability in Gaza and beyond. “The American people have stepped up where our government, sadly, has let us down,” Ms Kronenfeld told The National. “It means all the more pressure on, frankly, our little organisation to do as much outreach as possible.” Sitting down in a day care room of a Washington church, Ms Kronenfeld spoke during a training session for UNRWA USA advocates from across the country, preparing for a Thursday lobby on Capitol Hill to press US officials to restore funding. Progressive Democrats will soon announce bills in the House of Representatives and the Senate aimed at accomplishing just that. The US halted funding to UNRWA last year over allegations some of i…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UNRWA chief warns: We're nearing a critical point | Israel National ... UNRWA chief warns: We're nearing a critical point UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini says the agency is facing a combination of financial and political challenges which may result in its inability to continue operating in Gaza. Israel National News Oct 16, 2024, 11:52 PM (GMT+3) UNRWA Gaza Region Philippe Lazzarini 2 minutes UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir UNRWA, the United Nations agency for “Palestinian refugees”, is nearing a critical point in its ability to continue operations in Gaza due to increasingly difficult conditions, its leader said on Wednesday. "I will not hide the fact that we might reach a point that we won't be able anymore to operate," UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told reporters at a press conference in Berlin, as quoted by the Reuters news agency. "We are very near to a possible breaking point. When will it be? I don't know. But we are very near of that," he added. Lazzarini explained that the agency is facing a combination of financial and political challenges, alongside severe day-to-day operational difficulties. With winter…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

🚨 UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that UNRWA is nearing a breaking point due to a $100 million funding shortfall. The agency, serving 2.6 million Palestinians, has cut services by 20% amid accusations of staff involvement in the October 2023 Hamas attack. #UNRWA #Palestine #UN

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

Camera Icon A funding crisis is jeopardising the UN's ability to meet its mandate to displaced Palestinians. (EPA PHOTO) Credit: AAP UN agency for Palestinian refugees near breaking point Andrea Shalal Reuters 1 July 2026, 10:05am Copy link Share story UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff of taking part in the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its 2025 funding. Other …

UN chief says UN agency for Palestinian refugees nearing ... UN chief says UN agency for Palestinian refugees nearing 'breaking point' By Andrea Shalal Jun 30, 2026 Add AL-MONITOR on Google FILE PHOTO: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to delegates during a meeting on Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., April 27, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo — Eduardo Munoz By Andrea Shalal June 30 (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged countries to cover a $100 million gap in funding for the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, saying the body was nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The U.S. was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN chief fears for ‘millions’ of Palestinians amid UNRWA funding shortfall Antonio Guterres denounces &#039;disinformation, smear campaigns&#039; against the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

Despite record $100 million shortfall, Palestine relief agency still 'a ... FacebookTwitterPrintEmail The UN agency serving 5.9 million Palestine refugees, UNRWA, continues to strive to deliver on its mandate while facing an unprecedented $100 million budget shortfall, a gap it hopes to narrow during Tuesday’s pledging conference at UN Headquarters. Operating primarily on voluntary donationssince its inception in the late 1940s,UNRWAcontinues to provide lifesaving and essential services in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, from school programmes to polio vaccines, with the UN chief calling it a “lifeline” to Palestinians. However, UNSecretary-General António Guterresraised sharp concernson Tuesday about the agency’s cash shortfall, which he said “has grave implications for the entire region”. “UNRWA is a stabilising force in an age of instability, registering, protecting and assisting highly vulnerable populations and countering the hopelessness that can fuel insecurity,” he said. A pendulum of pledges followed the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel that left 1,200 dead and 250 taken hostage, with subsequent Israeli strikes that turned much of Gaza into rubble, displac…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to cover a $US100 million ($A145 million) gap in funding for the UN Palestinian refugee ‌agency UNRWA, saying the body is nearing a breaking point after deep cost-cutting and austerity measures. Guterres told an ad hoc meeting of the General ‌Assembly on voluntary contributions that UNRWA's situation was increasingly precarious given sweeping restrictions throughout occupied Palestinian territory that impeded its work, and the large cash shortfall. The United Nations agency operates in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, providing aid, schooling, healthcare, social services and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians. The US was UNRWA's biggest donor, but cut funding in January 2024 after Israel accused about a dozen UNRWA staff ‌of taking part in the ‌deadly October 7, ⁠2023, attack by Hamas militants that triggered the war in Gaza. Sweden also cut its ​2025 funding. Other big donors paused funding for UNRWA while the Hamas charges were investigated, but most have resumed their contributions. Guterres said the agency's liquidity crisis jeopardised its ability to meet its mandate, which was renewed by the Genera…