UNRWA seeks $1 billion to keep Palestinian aid programs alive

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) requires $1 billion to continue its operations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, according to a statement from the agency's spokesperson, Juliette Touma.

In an interview with a Russian news agency, Touma explained that the funding is necessary to sustain vital humanitarian aid, medical services, and the operation of schools in the West Bank, per Caliber.Az.

"This includes the provision of vital humanitarian aid, medical services, as well as the work of schools in the West Bank," she said.

Tuma also revealed that UNRWA is currently negotiating with various agencies, private foundations, and government representatives to secure additional funding.

The agency's financial challenges come after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing US support for UNRWA, leaving the agency struggling to pay staff salaries. On January 30, 2025, Israel further escalated the situation by banning UNRWA from operating within its borders.

UNRWA, which has been providing education, healthcare, and other assistance to Palestinian refugees and their descendants in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, was established in 1949 by the UN General Assembly. The agency currently faces significant obstacles due to Israel's refusal to allow it to operate within its territory. Without coordination with Israel, it is nearly impossible for UNRWA to function in Gaza or the West Bank, as the country no longer issues permits for agency personnel to enter these regions and cuts off coordination with the Israeli military.

Israel's decision to block UNRWA's activities within its borders followed accusations that 19 of the agency's employees were involved in the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. In response, UNRWA terminated nine employees suspected of involvement in the attack.

By Tamilla Hasanova