UNRWA says it faces a budget deficit of $250 million this year

Christian Saunders, Deputy Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), stated that the institution's budget deficit for 2026 has reached 250 million dollars and warned that basic services provided to millions of Palestinian refugees will be at serious risk if urgent financing is not provided.

In his speech at the 4th Committee of the UN General Assembly, Saunders drew attention to the worsening humanitarian conditions, especially in the Gaza Strip, and the deepening financial problems of UNRWA.

Emphasizing that the storm and heavy rains that hit Gaza last week made the already harsh living conditions of the people even more difficult, Saunders stated that the Palestinians had to spend another winter in inhumane conditions.

Pointing out that UNRWA has been supporting Palestinian refugees for nearly 80 years, Saunders said that the institution's capacity to continue its activities is gradually eroded due to financial difficulties.

"UNRWA's budget deficit for 2026 is $250 million. This includes a cash flow deficit of approximately $70 million," Saunders said. he said.

Stating that the institution may have to make new operational decisions that may affect personnel employment due to financial difficulties, Saunders said, "Unless urgent financing is provided, I cannot see any other way forward." he said.

Saunders stated that they have saved a total of 240 million dollars with the savings measures implemented by UNRWA since 2024, but that the scope and quality of services have decreased with these measures.

Calling on the international community to provide urgent funding for UNRWA to continue its activities, Saunders said, "I want you to take immediate action to keep UNRWA afloat until a fair and lasting solution to the situation of Palestinian refugees is found." he said.