Despite a dire warning from the U.N. chief that the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees "is on the verge of financial collapse," donors at a pledging conference on Friday provided just $107 million in new funds - significantly less than the $300 million it 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 but they are below the funds needed to keep over 700 schools and 140 clinics open from September through December.
"We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners, including host countries - the refugees' top supporters - to raise the funds needed," he said in a statement.
(Associated Press)