In response to an urgent call for support by the United Nations Relief and Works agency for Palestine refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) contributed US $ 2.5 million as supplementary end-of-year funding to the Agency.

UNRWA said in a press release that an agreement signed on 26 December between QFFD and UNRWA makes these additional resources available immediately to bridge an acute funding gap and allow the continuation of critical services to Palestine refugees across the region.

Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Kuwari, QFFD Director General, said: “This emergency contribution agreement comes at a critical time not just to support UNRWA's funding shortfall but to strengthen its pivotal role in protecting the rights of Palestine refugees at risk.”

“In addition to alleviating their urgent and critical needs, Palestine refugees remain at the top of the state of Qatar’s agenda, especially given the refugees’ ever-growing humanitarian, health, and educational needs. QFFD hopes to improve the lives of numerous underserved communities in Palestine and change their lives for the better”, he added.

UNRWA has been suffering from chronic underfunding that threatens its ability to pay staff salaries and that adds to the distress and despair of Palestine refugees as they face some of the worst socio-economic conditions in years.

“Once again, Qatar sends a strong message of support to Palestine refugees”, said Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner General. “In the aftermath of the World Cup, where solidarity with Palestinians was prominent, I am grateful for this timely end of the year contribution which I hope will be replicated by others in the region.”

The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency’s area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.  

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.