The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) issued a stark warning on Tuesday about its “very bad” financial situation, which is expected to worsen, particularly in light of an anticipated decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to extend the suspension of funding.
Juliette Touma, UNRWA Communications Director, shared the grim outlook during a UN briefing in Geneva, stating, “When the executive order, and if the executive order, is issued, we will be able to comment on that. Having said that, the financial health of UNRWA is very, very bad. It got worse over the past few months and is expected to continue to worsen.”
Touma explained that the agency is struggling to plan for the future due to the ongoing financial challenges. “In January, we were able to pay the salaries,” she said, but emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the agency’s finances. “It’s very, very difficult for us to have an understanding over the financial situation of the agency. And this is nothing new.”
The financial strain on UNRWA intensified after the U.S. suspended its funding to the agency in 2024 under the Joe Biden administration. This suspension has significantly impacted the agency’s ability to provide services to Palestinian refugees, who rely heavily on its support for education, healthcare, and other basic needs.
Touma also addressed the situation in the occupied West Bank, where the agency continues to provide services to the extent possible, including education and primary healthcare. However, she reported devastating damage in the Jenin refugee camp, where Israeli security forces recently carried out a series of controlled demolitions. As a result, all 30,000 residents of the camp had fled by Tuesday morning.
“The camp’s residents have endured the impossible,” Touma remarked, highlighting the severe humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict. Jenin has long been a focal point of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with frequent military raids. The recent demolitions come amid escalating tensions and an increase in Israeli military operations in the West Bank, particularly following the outbreak of war in Gaza.
As the financial crisis deepens for UNRWA, its ability to sustain vital services for Palestinian refugees remains uncertain, with the agency’s future increasingly tied to decisions regarding international funding.
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