Schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in the West Bank have shifted to a four day school week due to severe funding shortages. The agency also reduced staff working hours by twenty percent, with the measures expected to remain in place until the end of the academic year.

Earlier this year, the agency dismissed 571 employees as part of cost cutting efforts. Although it estimated its 2025 service needs at 880 million dollars, it has received only about 570 million dollars in contributions, deepening its financial crisis.

The funding decline comes amid sustained criticism from Israel and advocacy groups alleging that members of Hamas have operated within agency facilities and staff ranks. During the Gaza war, Israeli forces reported uncovering militant infrastructure in agency buildings and identified staff members allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks and hostage holding.