Story perspectives

UNRWA's Future in Doubt Amid Funding Crisis and Allegations

3/21/2026

Center

Lazzarini Warns Funding

Philippe Lazzarini, head of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), warns the agency's viability is in jeopardy.
UNRWA faces funding issues and allegations of Hamas collusion, including a raid on East Jerusalem offices and the deaths of over 390 staff.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel says some UNRWA staff participated in the Hamas attack, triggering a U.S. funding freeze.

Right

Erdan Demands UNRWA Action

Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. and the U.N., Gilad Erdan, called for action against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) after a watchdog report documented 113 incitement cases among staff.
Erdan described UNRWA as a body that encourages terrorism and urged donor countries to halt funding until issues are addressed.
The United States transferred $135.8 million to UNRWA, raising oversight concerns.

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Lazzarini Warns Funding

Philippe Lazzarini, head of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), warns the agency's viability is in jeopardy.
UNRWA faces funding issues and allegations of Hamas collusion, including a raid on East Jerusalem offices and the deaths of over 390 staff.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel says some UNRWA staff participated in the Hamas attack, triggering a U.S. funding freeze.

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