UNRWA faces $100 million funding deficit, warns Commissioner-General

UNRWA Acting Commissioner-General Christian Saunders has warned of an exceptional financial crisis, stating the agency faces a cash flow deficit of approximately $100 million for 2026. Speaking at a ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly, Saunders emphasized that the agency will be unable to continue providing essential services without additional support.

In the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Saunders reported that 94% of the population lacks adequate shelter, 90% face frequent clean water shortages, and 98% of families live near environmental hazards such as sewage and rubble. Despite these challenges, over 10,000 UNRWA staff members continue to serve roughly 1.7 million people, managing 80 emergency shelters and providing weekly medical consultations to 70,000 individuals.

The Commissioner-General also highlighted worsening conditions in the West Bank, noting that Palestinian displacement has reached levels unseen since 1967. He criticized actions in East Jerusalem, including the seizure of UNRWA headquarters, vocational training centers, schools, and health infrastructure, stating these measures do not resolve the Palestinian issue. UNRWA continues to maintain vital operations in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.