UNRWA expects resumption of US funding
UNRWA
02-02-2021 10:36 AM
Ammon News - The deficit that has gripped the United Nations for Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is caused by the U.S.'s decision to stop funding the Agency and the decrease of overall funding.
Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza, Matthias Schmale, Monday, said, under the Joe Biden Administration, he expects a resumption of funding to the Agency and reestablishment of good relations, highlighting that there is no specific date for the breakthrough.
Schmale said that the 2020 JOD70 million-odd deficit has been carried out to 2021, further straining the budget, warning this could impact the Agency's quality of services to refugees.
He noted that the Agency is acutely understaffed, with a need to recruit at least 500 employees to adequately continue providing its vital services to millions of refugees.
ON the COVID-19 impact on the besieged Gaza Strip, Schmale highlighted that thanks to the concerted efforts of all the concerned parties, the curve has started to flatten. However, he emphasized, Gazans should all be vaccinated against the highly contagious respiratory disease.
The vaccines will be available in Gaza by mid-February, as frontliners will be prioritized, he added.