The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) said on Thursday that some countries, which it did not name, have informed the agency's management of a "significant" reduction in their financial aid.

"There are some countries that informed us that they will reduce their financial aid by a large percentage. We do not want to mention their names. This is a very negative development," said Adnan Abu Hasna, UNRWA spokesman, in a radio interview.

Citing the growing population and needs of Palestinian refugees, Abu Hasna said the agency has renewed outreach to Arab donors.

UNRWA has been suffering from major financial crisis for several years, which has compromised its ability to provide services to Palestinian refugees.

In light of these pressures, Abu Hasna stressed the additional importance of UNWRA's Advisory Committee Conference, to be held in Beirut in June, as well as the upcoming UNHCR Pledging Conference in New York.

The agency was established in 1949 by a decision of the United Nations General Assembly to assist and protect Palestinian refugees in its five areas of operations in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, until a solution to their situation is reached.