UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged governments to fill a $100 million funding gap at the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, warning that basic services for millions of people are at risk.
Guterres told a donor conference on Tuesday that UNRWA was under pressure from both money shortages and Israeli restrictions on its work in the occupied Palestinian territory. He said the safety and welfare of Palestinian refugees were “hanging in the balance”.
The agency provides aid, education, healthcare, social services and shelter for 2.6 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Funding cuts have already forced it to reduce operations, according to the UN.
Guterres said deeper cuts could push conditions past a breaking point, pointing to living conditions in Gaza, violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and Israeli attacks on Lebanon, where many Palestinian refugees have sought shelter.
The agency has faced political pressure since Israel alleged that a small number of UNRWA staff took part in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. The United States, previously the agency’s largest donor, cut funding in January 2024 after those allegations.
A UN internal investigation into accusations against 19 staff members found that nine employees may have been involved. It found no evidence or insufficient evidence against the other 10.
Guterres said the agency had made reforms after the allegations, including changes to rules on outside and political activities. He called for “urgent backing and financial support” from member states.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the results of the donor meeting would be announced on Wednesday.
