Funding Crisis Forces UNRWA to Slash Services 20 Percent
In an interview with a news agency, Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini highlighted the organization's dire financial straits.
"The agency has today, a huge shortfall, financial shortfall to keep all its services across the region, (which) is more than $200 million," he said, adding that the agency cannot keep covering audit expenses.
The cuts translate into reduced access to essential services across the region, Lazzarini explained.
"Despite the number of austerity measure that we already took in 2025, I had to take an additional decision to decrease the volume of our services by 20%, which means that instead of going, for example, five days to school, you go four days to school, which means that instead of keeping our health clinic 40 hours a week, it will be open for 32 hours," he said.
Gaza residents face deteriorating conditions
Turning attention to Gaza's humanitarian emergency, Lazzarini noted minimal movement through the recently reopened Rafah border, which remains under stringent Israeli control.
"Let's be clear, the Rafah crossing has just opened. We have 50 people allowed to cross for the time being, and it's only open for pedestrians. So it's not a new supply road into Gaza," he said.
Gazan civilians remain in peril despite the ceasefire agreement with Israel that commenced October 10, 2025, existing "in name only," according to Lazzarini.
"They continue to struggle for the basics. They don't have shelter. The winter has been very harsh. The health condition, very poor. So, it's a daily struggle for survival, still ongoing in Gaza," he concluded.
Background on the aid organization
Operating since 1950 and sustained entirely by voluntary state contributions, UNRWA serves as the primary lifeline delivering food, medical care, education, and housing to Palestinian refugees.
The organization assists 5.9 million Palestinian refugees. Throughout its 75-year history, Israeli military operations have repeatedly struck UNRWA infrastructure, destroying massive quantities of provisions and medical supplies.
Last October, Israel's parliament prohibited the agency from operating within Israeli territory and occupied East Jerusalem, alleging certain staff members participated in the October 7, 2023 events.
The operational ban has devastated approximately 2.5 million refugees living in Palestinian territories.
Multiple donor nations subsequently froze their financial commitments to UNRWA, pushing the donation-dependent organization into severe economic distress.
On January 20, Israeli military forces stormed the UNRWA compound in occupied East Jerusalem, commandeered the premises, and destroyed internal structures.
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