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Without natural resources, Gaza suffers from a chronic shortage of water and fuel. (illustration image) SAID KHATIB / AFP

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees is still in financial crisis. The United States, which was their largest donor, cut its funding last year. UNRWA has managed to compensate for this loss in 2018, but the challenge arises again in 2019. It organizes a conference in New York this Tuesday, June 25 to raise funds essential to the continuation of its activities.

With our correspondent in Jerusalem , Guilhem Delteil

To help 5.4 million Palestinian refugees, UNRWA's annual budget is $ 1.2 billion . But the continuity of services provided by the agency is now threatened. Tamara Alriffai, UNRWA spokesperson: " We need about half of this budget and we especially need a fast payment to continue our operations without interruption. Food distribution in Gaza, back to school and cash distribution to families of Palestine refugees in the poorest of Syria

For donor countries, UNRWA services are essential for maintaining regional stability. Last year, 42 states and institutions increased their contribution to the agency's budget to offset the halt of US funding. UNRWA today needs them to renew this commitment: " We are responsible for maintaining the budget exactly as it was last year. We will not increase our budget in any way, but in return, we would like all the states that have increased their contribution last year to give UNRWA exactly the same thing so that all programs can stay at the same level as the UN. 'last year. "

After the loss of American support, the UNRWA commissioner general felt that his agency was facing an existential threat. In recent months, she has received strong political support for the US position. But financially, its future remains uncertain.