Damascus, June 30 (SANA)The outgoing Director of UNRWA Affairs in Syria, Amanya Michael Ebye, said support from the Syrian government, together with assistance from donors, the United Nations and international partners, has enabled the agency to continue providing essential services to Palestinian refugees despite ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges.

In an interview with SANA marking the end of his mission, Ebye said government support has included access to around 40 public schools for afternoon classes, use of health facilities, subsidized textbooks and vaccines, as well as assistance with security and infrastructure rehabilitation.

He said improving security and stability in Syria has encouraged refugee returns, noting that the share of internally displaced Palestinian refugees has fallen from 60 percent in 2017 to 30 percent today. Around 45,000 people returned to Yarmouk Camp during 2025 and 2026, increasing its population to about 60,000.

Ebye added thatUNRWAhas helped more than 2,000 families repair damaged homes and continues to restore schools, health centers and community facilities in Palestinian camps in cooperation with the Syrian government and UN partners.

He said UNRWA operates more than 25 health facilities providing around one million medical consultations annually and serves more than 50,000 students in over 100 schools acrossSyria.Ebye warned that the agency faces a $100 million funding shortfall across its operations, affecting food and cash assistance programs, and urged donors to continue supporting UNRWA to ensure essential education, healthcare and protection services.

Concluding his mission, he thanked the Syrian people for hosting Palestinian refugees for more than 78 years and expressed hope that continued stability would support recovery efforts benefiting both Syrians and Palestinians.F.J.