UNRWA grapples with financial strains amid Israeli pressure on donors

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
17 Jan 2025 09:02

UNRWA has long served as a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees, providing essential services across the region.

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An UNRWA office that was partly demolished during the Israeli army operation in the West Bank refugee camp of Nur Shams, in Tulkarem, on Thursday, October 31, 2024 (AP)

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is facing an escalating financial crisis due to diminished international support, a consequence of "Israel’s" allegations against the agency and its pressure on donor countries, Press TV reported on Thursday.

UNRWA has long served as a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees, providing essential services across the region. However, recent challenges, including financial strains linked to "Israel's" accusations of terrorism against the agency, have significantly impacted its operations.

"Israel’s" allegations, coupled with its subsequent pressure on donor countries, have led to reduced funding for UNRWA. In Jordan alone, where the agency supports 2.3 million Palestinian refugees, the repercussions of this financial shortfall are being felt acutely.

"UNRWA must continue to operate according to its mandate until the issue of refugees is resolved within the context of a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution and addresses the rights of Palestinian refugees," stressed Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

UNRWA operates 25 primary healthcare centers across Jordan, delivering critical services to refugees. A suspension of support would result in severe shortages of medicine and healthcare, leaving thousands of vulnerable families without essential aid, including food and relief supplies.

"Any reduction or suspension of UNRWA humanitarian services will result in significant challenges in education, healthcare, and, social relief," warned an UNRWA spokesperson.

According to the spokesperson, around 161 schools depend on the agency, which also operates 25 health centers and provides 61 million medical consultations annually.

On October 28, 2024, "Israel" enacted a law banning UNRWA activities within areas under its control and prohibiting Israeli authorities from engaging with the agency. The legislation, set to take effect later this month, has raised concerns over the potential closure of UNRWA’s operations in those areas.

UNRWA officials have already warned of tougher times ahead due to budget reductions from several donor countries.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, indicated that the forecast for 2025 is a little bit grim as several donor countries have indicated "that they will enter into an austerity period, an austerity budget."

Press TV highlighted that the potential reduction or suspension of UNRWA’s services is adding pressure on the Jordanian government, which is already grappling with significant economic challenges.

Both UNRWA and the Jordanian government have issued urgent calls for international support, warning that the crisis threatens the well-being of refugees and regional stability.