UN agency is lifeline for 5.9M Palestinian refugees: EU foreign policy chief

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) is “a lifeline for 5.9 million Palestinian refugees and a cornerstone of regional stability,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Friday.

“It plays an irreplaceable role in Gaza,” he emphasized on X.

“Increasing funding is more crucial than ever, to maintain vital services,” he stressed.

Borrell also pointed out: “As the top donor w/ €500m ($545 million) annually, count on the EU's unwavering support.”

Funding from the agency has been under attack since January after allegations were made that a handful of the thousands of UNRWA staffers were involved in attacks on Israel. Amid the claims, a number of countries withdrew funding for the agency, despite warnings that this would cause immense suffering for Palestinians.

Israel, flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.

Over 38,300 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 88,300 others injured, according to local health authorities.