António Guterres calls for urgent funding to address UNRWA’s financial crisis while condemning disinformation campaigns.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged member states to close a $100 million funding gap for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Speaking at a donor conference in New York, Guterres warned that the deficit, despite painful cost-cutting measures, prevents the agency from fulfilling its obligations. He emphasized that without immediate political and financial support, UNRWA’s operations could collapse.

Founded in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 and 1967 wars, UNRWA now serves approximately 5.9 million people across regions like Jordan and Lebanon. However, the agency faces accusations of links to Hamas, with reports alleging involvement of some staff in the October 7, 2023, terror attacks in Israel. Guterres condemned efforts to undermine UNRWA through disinformation and legislative actions, warning that further financial cuts could push the agency beyond its breaking point.