The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, said on Thursday that the continued suspension of international funding for the agency is forcing it to “end” its operations by the end of this February, in Gaza and throughout the region.

Lazzarini explained in a statement, “At a time when the war in Gaza continues unabated, and at a time when the International Court of Justice calls for more humanitarian aid, this is the time to strengthen UNRWA, not weaken it.”

He noted that the agency "remains the largest relief organization in one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world."

He added: "If funding remains suspended, we will likely have to end our operations by the end of February, not only in Gaza, but also throughout the region."

Lazzarini renewed the call of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, to resume funding for UNRWA, according to the statement.