The meeting will encourage member states, philanthropic organizations, private sector representatives and individual donors to contribute to the agency, which is considered the backbone of the UN in the Gaza Strip.

The UN has defended the neutrality of the agency in light of smear campaigns promoted by Israeli authorities, who are pressing to end its operations, after Israel accused several UNRWA members last January of collaborating with Hamas, causing a pause in funding from major donors at a key time to address the needs of civilians in Gaza, such as food, water, shelter and medicine.

Given the lack of evidence and after two investigations announced by the UN, most countries resumed their support.

The Agency has been the target of more than 450 attacks since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, 2023. Two-thirds of its schools were damaged and 524 Palestinian refugees were killed, while humanitarian needs have skyrocketed.

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