UNRWA Cuts School Week as Funding Crisis Forces Education Reduction Across West Bank and Gaza Region

Schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East have shifted to a reduced four-day school week after worsening financial pressures forced the agency to scale back key services across its education system.

The change was confirmed by UNRWA officials in the West Bank, who explained that the decision is not temporary experimentation but a direct response to a funding gap that has been growing over time.

Financial Pressure Forces Hard Educational Cuts

According to UNRWA’s West Bank assistant field public information officer Abeer Midhat Ismail, the reduction in school days is tied directly to budget shortfalls that have made it difficult to maintain normal operations.

Alongside fewer school days, staff working hours have also been reduced by around 20%, affecting teachers, administrators, and support personnel.

These measures are expected to remain in place until the end of the academic year, signaling a prolonged strain on the agency’s ability to deliver full educational services.

Layoffs and Shrinking Budget Add to the Strain

The current crisis follows a wave of job cuts earlier in the year, when UNRWA reportedly laid off 571 employees due to financial constraints.

The agency estimates its operational needs at around $880 million for 2025, but contributions received have fallen significantly short at approximately $570 million, according to Agence France-Presse.

That gap has placed pressure not only on schools but also on health and social services provided to Palestinian refugees across the region.

Political Tensions and Allegations Intensify Scrutiny

Funding challenges have been made more complex by ongoing political criticism directed at UNRWA, particularly from Israel and watchdog groups such as UN Watch.

Allegations have repeatedly surfaced accusing the agency of failing to prevent militant infiltration into its systems.

Israeli authorities have claimed that some UNRWA facilities were used in connection with Hamas activities during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

These claims have deepened international debate over the agency’s oversight and neutrality.

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Allegations of Hamas Links Among Staff Raise Alarm

During the war in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it uncovered what it described as militant infrastructure linked to UNRWA facilities, including schools and administrative buildings.

There have also been serious allegations that some UNRWA employees were involved with Hamas or participated in attacks, including the October 7 assault.

Among the claims reported publicly, an UNRWA social worker was accused of involvement in the kidnapping of Yonatan Samerano, while another staff member allegedly held captive Israeli hostage Ditza Heiman for over 50 days.

These allegations have intensified calls for reforms and stricter vetting within the agency.

Broader Context: Humanitarian Work Under Pressure

UNRWA plays a critical role in providing education, healthcare, and relief services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.

However, its operations have long been affected by political disputes and fluctuating donor support.

Even before the latest funding crisis, the agency has operated under periodic financial uncertainty, often relying on emergency donations to sustain core programs.

The current situation highlights how fragile humanitarian systems can become when funding gaps and geopolitical tensions overlap.

Impact and Consequences

The immediate consequence of the reduced school week is a decline in classroom learning time for thousands of students, which may affect academic performance and long-term educational outcomes.

For staff, reduced working hours mean lower income stability and increased uncertainty about job security.

Communities depending on UNRWA services may also experience delays or reductions in support.

On a broader scale, the funding shortfall risks weakening trust in international humanitarian systems and increasing pressure on donor governments to reassess their contributions.

What’s Next?

UNRWA is expected to continue lobbying donor states to close the funding gap before further cuts become necessary.

Future months will likely determine whether additional emergency funding can restore full school operations or whether further reductions will be introduced.

At the same time, international scrutiny over governance, accountability, and alleged security breaches is expected to intensify, potentially influencing future funding decisions.

Summary

UNRWA schools have moved to a four-day week due to a severe funding shortfall, forcing cuts to education services and staff hours.

The crisis comes amid growing financial deficits, past layoffs, and heightened political scrutiny over allegations involving staff members and security concerns.

Bulleted Takeaways

• UNRWA schools have reduced teaching to four days per week due to funding shortages
• Staff working hours have been cut by about 20%
• The changes are expected to continue through the academic year
• The agency previously laid off 571 employees due to financial pressure
• UNRWA faces a funding gap of roughly $310 million for 2025
• Allegations of links between some staff and Hamas have intensified scrutiny
• Claims include involvement in the October 7 attacks and hostage situations
• Reduced funding and political tension are impacting humanitarian operations across the region