UN agency for Palestinian refugees requests $104 million for Gaza

The UN organization for Palestinian refugees, or UNRWA, declared on Wednesday that it is "urgently seeking" $104 million in order to support the people affected by the escalation of hostilities in Gaza with its humanitarian response.

"To enable its multi-sectoral humanitarian response over the coming 90 days," the agency stated in a statement. The requested funds would support up to 250,000 people seeking sanctuary in UNRWA shelters throughout the devastated Gaza Strip, as well as an additional 250,000 Palestine refugees living in the community, for their urgent needs for food, non-food items, health care, housing, and protection.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated, "It is of the utmost urgency that access to humanitarian assistance and protection be upheld for all civilians."

According to UNRWA, it is going through a financial crisis and will only have enough money to continue operating in the region by the end of the month.