United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres reaffirmed the critical importance of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), warning that millions of Palestinian refugees — especially in Gaza — are facing a dangerous turning point that threatens their safety, dignity, and survival. He stressed that supporting UNRWA is a direct international responsibility toward Palestinian refugees.
Speaking Tuesday before the UN General Assembly’s committee responsible for announcing voluntary contributions to UNRWA, Guterres described living conditions in the Gaza Strip as “horrific,” noting that civilians are trapped amid unexploded ordnance, exposed sewage, rodent infestations, disease outbreaks, extreme heat, and mass displacement.
He said families are struggling to secure shelter, food, clean drinking water, education, and medical care, with many forced to sleep outdoors or go to bed hungry.
Turning to the occupied West Bank, Guterres said Palestinians are facing relentless violence from Israeli colonizers, expanding settlement activity, home demolitions, land confiscation, forced displacement orders, and severe movement restrictions.
For generations, Palestine refugees have counted on @UNRWA for support & essential services.
UNRWA is essential to preserving the humanitarian conditions necessary for a just & lasting political solution with two States – Israel & Palestine – living side by side in peace &…
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 30, 2026
He warned that the growing threat of annexation of the West Bank would constitute a “flagrant violation of international law.”
Guterres also highlighted the severe operational crisis facing UNRWA across the occupied Palestinian territory. He said the agency is confronting sweeping restrictions and a deep liquidity shortage that threatens its ability to function. Despite painful austerity measures, UNRWA is facing a $100 million funding gap that prevents it from meeting its current obligations.
He emphasized that UNRWA’s mandate — renewed for six months with overwhelming support from UN member states — reflects the international community’s ongoing responsibility toward Palestinian refugees.
The agency currently provides essential services to 2.6 million people, including education, healthcare, food assistance, and social protection.
Guterres warned that the agency’s financial crisis carries “serious consequences for the entire region,” stressing that UNRWA remains a stabilizing force at a time marked by escalating instability.
He urged member states to increase their contributions to prevent further deterioration in the humanitarian situation and to ensure that Palestinian refugees continue to receive the support they urgently need.
