Gaza Crisis: UNRWA Urges Donors to Remember Palestine Refugees in Syria
GAZA — Amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza, the UN agency dedicated to assisting Palestine refugees, UNRWA, has issued a plea to donors not to overlook the plight of Palestinians affected by the long-standing war in Syria.
UNRWA recently launched a $414.4 million appeal aimed at providing aid to Palestine refugees in Syria, as well as those who have sought refuge in neighboring Lebanon and Jordan due to the conflict.
The funds raised will be utilized to sustain cash and food assistance, healthcare, education, and vocational training for those in need.
Natalie Boucly, UNRWA’s deputy commissioner-general for programs and partnerships, emphasized the importance of continuing support for Palestine Refugees affected by the 13-year-long crisis in Syria during the launch event in Beirut.
While the attention is currently focused on the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, Boucly stressed the significance of not neglecting the humanitarian needs in other crisis-affected regions of operation.
UNRWA has been actively providing humanitarian assistance to mitigate the impact of the conflict in Syria on Palestine refugees for over 75 years, as well as addressing the worsening socio-economic conditions of those now residing in Lebanon and Jordan.
Despite escalating needs, funding for emergency appeals in Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan has declined in recent years, with coverage dropping to a mere 27 percent in 2023.
Boucly expressed concerns about UNRWA’s precarious funding situation, especially given the challenges posed since the onset of the conflict in Gaza nearly six months ago.
As the Palestine Refugee community faces increasingly severe challenges across the region, UNRWA’s role in providing vital assistance has never been more crucial.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini previously warned that critical lifesaving programs were at risk following the suspension of $450 million in funding by 16 countries in response to allegations against agency staff related to Hamas-led attacks.
Despite the challenges, some countries, such as Germany and Saudi Arabia, have renewed their support to UNRWA, with new contributions announced for operations in various regions.
During the holy month of Ramadan, millions of Muslims worldwide are contributing to an UNRWA campaign to support vulnerable Palestine refugees, continuing a tradition of generosity from the previous year.
Despite ongoing efforts, access to humanitarian supplies in Gaza remains limited, with UNRWA reporting no significant improvement in the volume of aid entering the region.
UNRWA continues to be a vital humanitarian operation in Gaza, with a significant portion of relief supplies being delivered through the agency to address the needs of the displaced population.
Since the start of the hostilities, over 75 percent of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with many forced to seek refuge in emergency shelters or informal settlements.
While UNRWA has provided essential support to millions in Gaza, challenges persist in delivering aid to all those in need due to restrictions in the region.
Despite the obstacles, UNRWA remains committed to its mission of providing assistance to Palestine refugees and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other conflict-affected areas.
