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UN agency aiding Palestinians launches funding appeal amid sharp cuts

GAZA, Nov 26 (KUNA) -- The UN agency helping Palestinian refugees has called for urgent donations to avoid the suspension of its essential services, the cash-strapped body's chief said on Thursday.
"This is the first time in memory that we have reached the cliff's edge with no money on hand nor confirmed pledges to cover two months of salaries," Philippe Lazzarini told a press conference.
The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) needs "sufficient funding" by the end of the month to pay the salaries of some 28,000 staff members, he added.
UNRWAآ’s chief went on to say that the UN agencyآ’s services are needed now more than ever before given that the plight of Palestinian refugees has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
UNRWA provides essential services to Palestinian refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza. (end) wab.nam