Collapse of Aid Catastrophic for Palestinian Refugees

The June 2 statement from the Secretary General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) that the agency is on the verge of financial collapse is deeply disturbing. Donors must act quickly to fill the shortfall before 1.2 million Palestinians – including women and children – are left without critical humanitarian assistance. 

Please see below statement from Refugees International Senior Advocate for the Middle East Jesse Marks:

“Funding cuts to UNRWA have already had a profoundly negative impact on humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. It is alarming that efforts in Congress seek to withhold financial contributions to UNRWA at a time where more than 200,000 Palestinians have lost access to all food aid due to severe lack of World Food Program (WFP) funds. Withholding assistance to UNRWA will only amplify humanitarian suffering and generate catastrophic consequences for thousands of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza where three out of four people rely on UNRWA and WFP for half of their nutritional needs.” 

Please see below statement from Refugees International Program Manager for Refugee Leadership Hourie Tafech:

“Donors, especially the United States, should delink humanitarian aid from the politics in Washington and promptly meet UNRWA’s funding shortfall to support Palestinian refugees. This is critical to reverse losses from WFP funding cuts and ensure vulnerable communities have access to a vital lifeline.”

To schedule an interview, please contact Refugees International’s Vice President for Strategic Outreach Sarah Sheffer at ssheffer@refugeesinternational.org. 

---