The United Nations agency for Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA, is in the midst of an unprecedented crisis as sixteen countries have suspended funding pending an investigation by the UN's oversight office. Dorothee Klaus, head of the UNRWA office in Lebanon, stated that there is no "plan B" past March if donor countries uphold their funding suspensions following Israeli allegations.

Klaus expressed concerns about the agency's ability to continue providing services to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon if funding is not restored soon. With the possibility of not being able to finance quarterly cash distributions to 65% of Palestinian refugees, UNRWA could face immediate challenges in maintaining essential services, including healthcare, schooling, and garbage collection in the 12 refugee camps it manages in Lebanon.

The funding suspension has raised fears of a cash flow issue within the agency, potentially leading to interruptions in services. Klaus emphasized that other agencies would not be able to fill the gap left by UNRWA if funding continues to be withheld. Given the urgency of the situation, she hopes that donors reconsider their freeze on funding and restore support to prevent any disruptions in services to Palestinian refugees.

The investigation by the UN's oversight office, expected to be completed in a few weeks, will shed light on the allegations that prompted the funding suspensions. Klaus highlighted the importance of swift action to prevent the worsening of the crisis, cautioning that failure to restore funding could have immediate consequences for the refugee community in Lebanon.

As UNRWA grapples with financial uncertainty, the agency faces the challenge of securing funding to sustain its operations and continue providing vital services to Palestinian refugees.