Guterres Warns UNRWA Faces Collapse Amid Israeli Restrictions

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on September 24 and 25, 2026, that the mandate and operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) are in jeopardy. Speaking at a ministerial meeting in New York, Guterres reported that the agency faces a severe liquidity crisis with a $100 million deficit, threatening essential health, education, and social services for millions of refugees.

Guterres condemned the killing of nearly 400 UNRWA staff in Gaza and the seizure and demolition of agency premises in East Jerusalem by the Government of Israel. He stated these actions are inconsistent with international law and the UN Charter. The Israeli Knesset previously passed legislation banning UNRWA from its territory, and the government began demolishing the agency's main Jerusalem compound in January.

Simultaneously, the U.S.-created Board of Peace has held private meetings with UNRWA and a Palestinian technocratic committee regarding Gaza's reconstruction, despite publicly claiming the agency has no role in the process. Former UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini revealed that the Palestinian committee views the agency as indispensable for planning. However, a Board of Peace official maintained that UNRWA's days are over, suggesting programs may only continue if employees pass vetting to ensure they do not advance Hamas interests.

UNRWA remains the largest aid provider in Gaza, supporting half of the public health system. Commissioner-General ad interim Christian Saunders reported that 94% of people in Gaza lack proper shelter, while displacement in the West Bank has reached levels unseen since 1967.