Date: 23/1/2026
Abu Holi Commends Iraqi Support for UNRWA and the Signing of a Three-Year Funding Agreement (2026–2028) Worth USD 30 Million
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Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Head of the Department of Refugee Affairs, Dr. Ahmad Abu Holi, commended the financial support provided by the Republic of Iraq to the budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
In a statement issued today, Friday, Abu Holi explained that the Iraqi support, amounting to USD 30 million over a three-year period (2026–2028), comes within the framework of a strategic partnership and a multi-year financing agreement aimed at supporting UNRWA in delivering essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across its areas of operation in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, occupied Jerusalem, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Abu Holi affirmed that this Iraqi stance reflects a steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause and the rights of refugees, and directly contributes to reducing UNRWA’s financial deficit and ensuring the stability of its humanitarian operations and core services across its five fields of operation, benefiting approximately 6.2 million Palestinian refugees amid the difficult conditions prevailing in the region.
He pointed out that Iraqi support will open a new window to encourage donors to provide additional funding to UNRWA, particularly in support of the Agency’s 2026 budget, which is facing a severe financial deficit estimated at USD 384 million—representing 40% of the total regular budget of USD 959 million—due to a decline in donor contributions by more than 50%, as well as political pressure and the campaign led by the Israeli occupation government against the Agency.
Abu Holi considered this support to be a genuine translation of Iraq’s historical and supportive positions toward the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them the right of return, self-determination, and the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. He emphasized that Iraqi support directly contributes to protecting UNRWA as a political and legal witness to the refugee issue until a just and comprehensive solution is achieved.
Abu Holi renewed his call to the international community and donor countries, particularly Gulf states, to follow the example of the Republic of Iraq by signing multi-year funding agreements to support the Agency’s budget and bridge the financial gap, in order to achieve financial stability for UNRWA’s 2026 budget and to ensure sufficient and sustainable funding that guarantees regional stability and the continuation of humanitarian interventions, thereby preventing new crises that could affect services provided to Palestinian refugees.
He further stressed that official Palestinian efforts have not ceased, but rather have intensified in 2026 to urge the international community and donor states to fulfill their financial commitments, enabling UNRWA to overcome the anticipated financial shortfall in its 2026 budget.
In concluding his statement, Abu Holi commended the efforts of UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, in his endeavors to address the Agency’s financial deficit. At the same time, he called on him to immediately reverse the recent decisions related to the mass dismissal of staff, as well as the reduction of salaries and working hours by 20%.
He underscored the necessity for joint efforts and collective responsibility by all United Nations Member States to mobilize the financial support and resources required for UNRWA’s regular and emergency budgets, enabling the Agency to fulfill its core mandate in relief, employment, and the provision of vital services, in accordance with the mandate granted under United Nations General Assembly Resolution No. 302.
