United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is nearing a "breaking point" due to a severe financial crisis. Despite several austerity measures implemented in recent months, the agency still faces a funding shortfall estimated at $100 million.
According to Antonio Guterres, UNRWA has already reduced the hours of many of the services it provides to Palestinian refugees by 20% this year. These restrictions particularly affect essential services provided by the agency in the areas of education, health, and humanitarian aid.
The UN chief has launched a renewed appeal to the international community for additional financial contributions. He stressed that without swift support from donor states, the agency risks being unable to fully carry out its mission to assist millions of Palestinian refugees in the Middle East.
An extraordinary meeting dedicated to voluntary contributions from member states was held at United Nations headquarters. The results of this financial mobilization are to be announced on Wednesday and will be crucial for the immediate future of UNRWA.
Faced with ever-increasing humanitarian needs and dwindling resources, the United Nations believes that the agency's survival now depends on greater commitment from the international community. Without new aid, UNRWA may be forced to further reduce its activities in the coming months.
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