While Jordan’s economy is struggling, the country hosts around 2.4 million Palestinian refugees, the largest number among Israel’s neighbors.

The country already provides $1 billion in infrastructure and other services to 10 Palestinian camps nationwide, with UNRWA-led schools and health services for nearly 400,000 inhabitants. 

As Western donors continue their funding cuts for UNRWA, the kingdom faces an even tougher challenge. Services across the country will have to be shut or reduced, UNRWA’s country head said.

“The current funding suspension is putting the continuation of these services at risk after the end of February. It will have severe consequences on UNRWA’s operations,” said Olaf Becker, Jordan director of UNRWA.

Upon allegations by Israel that some UNRWA staff members were involved with October 7, major donors such as the US and the UK have suspended funding.

Becker said that UNRWA has been one of the country’s largest employers, with 7,000 employees on its payroll and over $120 million in salaries flowing into the economy annually.

Furthermore, the agency’s services provide support for the 2.4 million Palestinian refugees at 20% lower cost than the state, he stated.

“Our first option would be to scale down our services, and it might take different modalities, but it’s very difficult–what do you choose, health care versus education or sanitation?” he said.

Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, King of Jordan, underscored the importance of UNRWA’s work in the kingdom, stating that it needed to receive support to continue its mandate.

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