UNRWA funding cuts deepen hardship for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon

UNRWA funding cuts have forced the UN agency to close or reduce hours of schools, healthcare centres and clinics across Lebanon's 12 Palestinian refugee camps, according to Al Jazeera.

The Trump administration maintained a US funding freeze in February 2025 that had been imposed the previous year. UNRWA spokesperson Fadi al-Tayyar said in October that the agency needed between $70 million and $80 million more for 2026, forcing a 20 percent reduction in service working hours since February.

Many schools have moved to a four-day week for the 2026-27 academic year. More than 35,000 pupils attend 58 schools across the camps. Residents of Bourj el-Barajneh camp reported that most schools there had shut down, leaving students in classrooms with 40 or more students each.

An emergency report from June 2026 found that only 15 of 26 primary healthcare centres and clinics remained operational. Eleven had closed.

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon told Al Jazeera that reduced work opportunities, less medical support and overcrowded classrooms have worsened conditions. Doumoua al-Baitan, a mother of four living in Bourj el-Barajneh camp, said her children cannot retain what they are taught due to overcrowding and now pays $200 per month for after-school lessons.

The Jafra Foundation, a nonprofit supporting vulnerable communities in Lebanon, reported in October that the funding shortfall has led to an increase in crime and drug use in the camps. Fadi Abu Halawa, security officer at the foundation, said the economic situation has deteriorated with no work available.

Israel's military operations in southern Lebanon have also affected the camps. Five camps are in southern Lebanon and have faced displacement and attacks. Israel killed 12 people across Lebanon in February, including two in Ein el-Hilweh camp in Sidon, and at least 13 people in November, including 11 children who were playing football.

Palestinians in Lebanon number approximately 230,000. The majority are de facto stateless and lack Lebanese citizenship, making them effectively barred from professions including medicine, law, engineering and pharmacy. UNRWA has supported Palestinian refugees since 1950.