Speaking at the conference's opening session yesterday morning, Lazzarini revealed that UNRWA only had sufficient funds to sustain its activities until the end of August. However, by the conclusion of the conference, he expressed confidence that the new pledges would provide enough financial support to cover the agency's $850 million annual budget for an additional month, ensuring that its 30,000 staff members can continue delivering education, primary health care, and other developmental services to approximately 6 million Palestinian refugees.

Addressing the extended Israeli aggression affecting Gaza for over nine months, Lazzarini highlighted the urgent need for a political resolution to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe. "An entire generation of youth and children in Gaza will be sacrificed if a solution isn't reached soon," he warned.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also appealed to donors to support UNRWA, emphasizing its indispensable role despite criticism from Israel. "Let me be clear, there is no alternative to UNRWA," Guterres stated at the donor conference, underscoring the agency's essential support for suffering Palestinians.

"As we believed things couldn't worsen in Gaza, civilians are being pushed horrifically into deeper circles of hell," Guterres added, urging immediate action to mitigate the humanitarian crisis.

The total amount of pledges from the conference will be confirmed next week, but the immediate financial boost ensures that UNRWA can continue its critical operations for now. (ILKHA)