Abu Dhabi: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has warned that it is facing funding uncertainty due to current income projections and delays in anticipated contributions, underscoring the need for additional financial support to ensure the continuity of its humanitarian work.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agency clarified that despite the challenging situation regarding official funding from certain states, income from private sources - including individuals, institutions, and high-value donors - had reached an unprecedented level of US$232 million between 7th October 2023 and the end of March this year.
On the ground, UNRWA reported that approximately 97 percent of Rafah's population is under forced displacement orders, affecting nearly 150,000 people in the area. The agency warned that evacuation orders in Rafah would severely compound the ongoing blockade on humanitarian aid, as access through the Rafah crossing - the main entry point for aid - has been shut by Israeli authorities for nearly two months since 2nd March.