UN agency for Palestinian refugees raises just $107 million of $300 million needed to help millions

By EDITH M. LEDERER
Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Donors at a pledging conference provided just $107 million in new funds for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees despite a dire warning from the U.N. chief that it “is on the verge of financial collapse.” That is significantly less than the $300 million the agency needs to keep helping millions of people. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of the agency known as UNRWA, said he was grateful for the new pledges on Friday but they are below the funds needed to keep over 700 schools and 140 clinics open from September through December. He said: “We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners, including host countries — the refugees’ top supporters — to raise the funds needed.”