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UNRWA funding cuts deepen hardship for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon
Funding cuts have forced UNRWA to reduce services for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, deepening hardship in a community already facing legal and economic restrictions. Residents say fewer services mean less medical support, crowded classrooms and increased drug use in some camps.
UNRWA says it needs an additional $70m to $80m for 2026 and has cut service hours by 20 per cent since February. Many schools have moved to four-day weeks; more than 35,000 pupils attend 58 schools, while only 15 of Lebanon’s 26 UNRWA primary healthcare centres and clinics remained open in June 2026. The article also notes that undocumented refugees and Palestinians who fled Syria face added barriers to work, education and residency.
In short
- UNRWA funding shortfalls are reducing services in Lebanon’s refugee camps.
- School weeks have shortened and classrooms are overcrowded.
- Only 15 of 26 UNRWA primary care centres remained open in June.