UNRWA Warns It May Be Forced to Choose Which Schools and Health Centers to Close Without New Funding

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, says it is fighting for its financial survival and may be forced to decide which schools and health centers to close if it does not secure new funding, according to an interview published by RFI.

The warning came from Nathalie Boucly, UNRWA's deputy commissioner-general, who spoke with RFI even as the question of Gaza's reconstruction dominates ongoing diplomatic discussions involving organizations that could take part in rebuilding efforts, the report said.

Funding Shortfall Threatens Operations

According to RFI, Boucly described a continuing effort to secure additional financing to sustain UNRWA's operations, which span Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, and Lebanon. The report did not specify the exact size of the funding shortfall or a timeline for when service reductions might take effect.

The interview did not detail which specific schools or health centers might be at risk of closure, nor did it specify how many people currently rely on UNRWA-run facilities in each of the four locations mentioned.

Role in Gaza's Reconstruction

RFI's report framed the funding crisis against the backdrop of broader diplomatic conversations about Gaza's reconstruction, in which UNRWA is described as one of the organizations potentially positioned to participate. The report did not elaborate on the specific proposals being discussed or UNRWA's proposed role within them.

Further details on donor countries' response to UNRWA's funding appeals, or any decisions already made regarding facility closures, were not included in the available source material.