Saudi Arabia reaffirms status as a top UNRWA donor, warns funding gap threatens agency’s mandate
UNITED NATIONS: Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its position as one of the largest donors to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, revealing that it has provided $835 million in development and humanitarian assistance through the agency over the years.
It came as member states gathered at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday at a pledging conference for voluntary contributions to UNRWA.
In his address to the gathering, which offered the international community an opportunity to align political commitments with predictable financing to help keep the agency operational, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged countries to provide immediate financial support, amid warnings that severe funding shortfalls were threatening humanitarian operations and regional stability.
The agency continues to play an essential role in efforts to improve humanitarian conditions and provide food, health and education services across the region, particularly in Gaza.
