RAMALLAH, December 22, 2024 (WAFA) — The spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Adnan Abu Hasna, confirmed today that Sweden's decision to cut its funding for the agency will have a significant and detrimental impact on education across the five regions where the agency operates, including Gaza.

Abu Hasna spoke to the Voice of Palestine radio, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of this financial shortfall on the education of Palestinian refugees.

Abu Hasna explained that the decision comes amid rising international pressure, particularly with Norway seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice regarding Israel's efforts to restrict the operations of UNRWA. The situation, he noted, is particularly alarming as it compounds the already critical living conditions in Gaza.

"Conditions in Gaza are dire, with widespread diseases and severely compromised public health systems," said Abu Hasneh. "Only 6% of the essential supplies needed by the population are allowed into the Gaza Strip, with just 60 trucks permitted to cross daily into the enclave by Israeli authorities."

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened in recent months. The limited aid allowed into the region is quickly distributed by UNRWA, yet the agency continues to face ongoing thefts from criminal gangs, further hindering its efforts to provide relief.

Abu Hasneh also highlighted a worrying rise in diseases previously unseen in the region. Hepatitis, for example, is now infecting approximately 1,000 people weekly. The ongoing blockade, combined with the lack of adequate medical supplies and infrastructure, has made it extremely difficult to address these emerging health threats.

M.N