The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has secured funding to continue operations until September. This comes after putting up a collateral conference where UN chief Antonio Guterres stimulated donors to support the agency. UNRWA faced funding shortages after some countries refused to give donations due to Israeli allegations of UNRWA employees’ involvement in a Hamas attack. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini expressed gratitude and appreciation for the new pledges, which will ensure emergency operations continue until September.
Guterres forced the critical importance of UNRWA, assuring that Palestinians would lose a “critical lifeline” without it. He noted that 195 UNRWA staff members have been killed in the dispute, the highest death toll for UN staff in history. The conflict started with Hamas’ October attack on southern Israel, resulting in 1,195 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel answered with a military offensive that has killed at least 38,345 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians. “Let me be clear — there is no alternative to UNRWA,” he said.
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The US Congress has secured funding for UNRWA, but the Biden administration has directed funds to other organizations supporting Palestinian civilians. The administration acknowledges UNRWA’s unique ability to distribute aid. Despite this, UNRWA faces significant challenges, including a funding deficit and the loss of staff members. Guterres urged donors to continue supporting UNRWA, emphasizing its critical role in providing aid to Palestinian refugees.
In summary, UNRWA has secured funding to continue operations until September and appreciates a pledging conference and support from donors. The agency faces significant challenges, including funding shortages and staff losses, but remains necessary to provide aid to Palestinian refugees. The dispute in the region continues to result in significant loss of life and displacement, mentioning the importance of UNRWA’s work.
By Arab news
