UNRWA at breaking point
UNRWA says it has reached a “breaking point,” with more than 11,000 Palestinian staff scrambling to deliver essential services to a population now almost entirely in need — the agency warned of collapsing capacity as security and access shrink. Donor funding is critically short: the UN refugee chief says less than 10% of required funds have been received, risking large‑scale deprivation across Gaza and the region. (unrwa.org) (reuters.com)
Philippe Lazzarini said he will step down as UNRWA Commissioner‑General at the end of March 2026 after serving two terms. (swissinfo.ch) UNRWA’s Situation Report records 391 colleagues killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023 — 310 UNRWA personnel plus 81 people supporting UNRWA operations — recorded through 24 March 2026. (unrwa.org) UNRWA’s reporting shows critical medical stockouts in Gaza: 46% of essential medicines and 66% of medical consumables are currently out of stock, according to recent situation reporting. (unrwa.org 1) (unrwa.org 2) The agency says austerity and cost‑control measures introduced in 2024 will save over US$150 million in 2025 and have allowed it to keep paying salaries so far, while stressing operations remain dependent on timely member‑state disbursements. (unrwa.org) Field reporting and UN updates indicate steep operational cuts in Gaza — roughly 600 local staff laid off, Gaza salaries reduced by about 20% and working hours curtailed as the agency tightens pay and staffing. (aljazeera.com) The UN refugee chief told donors on March 25, 2026 that his agency had so far received less than 10% of the money needed for emergency displacement appeals, citing shortfalls in rapid‑response funding for Iran and Lebanon. (usnews.com) UNRWA reports it is delivering emergency food and cash assistance to some 2.6 million registered Palestine refugees across its areas of operation while warning that funding gaps and access constraints threaten continuity of those services. (unrwa.org)
