US EditionFunding Crisis Threatens UNRWA's Vital Services
- UNRWA, under the leadership of Philippe Lazzarini, is experiencing a critical $200 million budget gap that threatens the continuation of its support services for Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East in 2025.
- This crisis results from reduced funding due to political hostility, donor suspensions following Israel's accusations, and broader budget pressures on Western governments.
- UNRWA provides essential relief to over 5.9 million Palestinian refugees living in exile and to millions in Gaza, where two-thirds of the population are confined under blockade and internal displacement high.
- Lazzarini told reporters in Berlin that without urgent aid, he may make an unprecedented decision affecting services, adding, "We have no visibility anymore beyond September" and requiring $60 million for staff payroll each month.
- If funding gaps persist, UNRWA’s operational capacity will drastically drop, worsening refugee vulnerability amid ongoing regional instability and humanitarian needs.
22 Articles
22 Articles
The Swiss has always acted on the principle of alternativelessness. Now old certainties seem to evaporate.
The UN agency Unrwa can no longer fulfill its mandate because it lacks the necessary resources, says its director Philippe Lazzarini in an interview with Die Welt. – We can no longer do our job, so we are collapsing. Now he is considering closing the organization down completely.
The head of the UN Palestinian Agency, Lazzarini, is thinking about the dissolution of his organization.
UNRWA leader Philippe Lazzarini speaks of an adverse environment and lack of support. He can imagine an organization led by Palestinians as an alternative.
Many relief organizations can no longer do work in Gaza, Israel only allows access to a private foundation – funded by the White House. UNRWA head Lazzarini now advocates a new approach.
Funding Crisis Threatens UNRWA's Vital Services
The UN Palestinian refugee agency faces a critical funding shortfall necessitating potential unprecedented service cuts. The agency, led by Philippe Lazzarini, may need to reduce staffing and operations amid dwindling financial support, primarily due to decreased US aid and global geopolitical strains.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
