UN chief says UNRWA nearing 'breaking point', calls for additional funding

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent financial support for the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, stating the organization is nearing a "breaking point" due to a significant funding gap and "sweeping restrictions."

Addressing an ad hoc meeting on voluntary contributions, Guterres urged countries to cover a $100 million shortfall, emphasizing that UNRWA's liquidity crisis jeopardizes its ability to fulfill its mandate. The agency, which provides essential aid, schooling, healthcare, and shelter to 2.6 million Palestinians across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, had its mandate renewed by the General Assembly with overwhelming support six months ago.

The agency's financial struggles intensified after the U.S. cut funding in January 2024, following Israeli accusations that some UNRWA staff participated in the October 7 Hamas attack. Sweden also cut its 2025 funding. While many other major donors paused contributions during the investigation, most have since resumed.

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They cannot keep going like this without urgent backing and financial support from member states.

Guterres defended UNRWA as a "stabilizing force in an age of instability," denouncing what he called ongoing "disinformation, smear campaigns, legislative actions, operational restrictions, diplomatic roadblocks and more" aimed at undermining the agency. He highlighted the severe toll on UNRWA staff, with 390 killed in Gaza since October 2023, and noted that 1,000 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli attacks since a ceasefire was announced in October.

The UN has stated it fired nine staff members implicated in the October attack, and a Hamas commander in Lebanon was also found to have held an UNRWA job. Guterres stressed that continued actions against the agency threaten the well-being of millions of Palestinians and UNRWA personnel.

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UNRWA is a stabilizing force in an age of instability.