UN Agency for Palestinians raises only a third of the $300m needed

The United Nations (UN) Agency for Palestinian Refugees has raised just $107 million in new funds, which is less than the $300 million it requires to help millions of people.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
(UNRWA) reportedly requires more funds to support millions of people. Donors have only
provided $107 million in new funds.

Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of URWA, thanked donors for donating money.
However, he revealed that the money is not enough to support 700 schools and 140 clinics for
Palestine refugees.

He said, “We will continue to work with our partners, including host countries — the refugees’ top supporters — to raise the funds required to support people.”

Earlier this year, the UN Relief and human development agency appealed for $1.6 billion for its
programs in order to help vulnerable people in Syria, Lebanon, West Bank, East Jerusalem, the
Gaza Strip and Jordan.

On Thursday, Philippe Lazzarini said at the press conference that the UN agency required $150 million to operate all services in order to help people. He also revealed that the UN agency needed $75 million to operate the food pipeline in Gaza and about $30 million for its cash distribution program in Syria and Lebanon.

He said, “The situation is critical now that some of our committed donors have indicated that they will decrease their contribution to the agency.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres revealed that the lives of millions of Palestinian refugees are supported by essential services and financial aid. He said that the essential services are required to support around 2 million people and enable job opportunities for young people in Gaza.

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Reportedly, over 1.2 million Palestinian people required urgent humanitarian aid. The aid will
support vulnerable people.