UNRWA employees in Gaza protest planned cuts to refugee services
Workers warn dismissals could undermine healthcare, education and humanitarian assistance amid agency's growing financial crisis
NUSEIRAT, Palestine (MNTV) — Employees of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees marched through Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp to protest anticipated job cuts, warning that staff reductions could further undermine essential services for Palestinians already facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
Dozens of men, women and children joined the demonstration on Monday, November 2, walking through the central Gaza camp toward one of the agency’s schools, according to Arab News, citing reporting by Agence France-Presse.
The demonstration included UNRWA employees and beneficiaries who carried placards reading “No to job cuts” and “No to reducing refugee services.”
Mustafa Al-Ghour, head of the agency’s staff union, said the protest was intended to oppose dismissals that could lead to the closure or deterioration of services provided to refugees.
He warned that reducing the workforce would directly affect the quality of healthcare, education and other assistance delivered by the agency.
UNRWA spokesman Jonathan Fowler said the organization had been experiencing unprecedented financial and operational difficulties and might be forced to make difficult decisions in the near future. He added that the matter remained under review.
The agency currently employs approximately 10,500 people in Gaza and another 4,500 in the occupied West Bank.
In September, acting UNRWA Commissioner-General Christian Saunders warned that the organization could be forced to reduce long-term refugee services unless it addressed a funding shortfall of approximately $100 million within two months.
UNRWA is one of the largest service providers in Palestinian territories, operating healthcare and education facilities while coordinating humanitarian assistance through its extensive workforce and logistical networks.
Its operations have become particularly important since Israel launched its military offensive on Gaza in October 2023, as displacement and destruction have increased dependence on international humanitarian assistance.
The agency has also faced sustained political pressure from Israel, which has repeatedly accused it of providing cover for Hamas militants and alleged that some employees participated in the October 7, 2023 attacks.
However, investigations into the allegations, including one led by former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, identified certain neutrality-related concerns but found that Israel had not provided conclusive evidence supporting its central allegations against the agency.
Israeli legislation severing ties with UNRWA and prohibiting its operations on Israeli territory took effect in January 2025.
The latest demonstrations reflect growing anxiety among Palestinian refugees and humanitarian workers that financial difficulties and political pressure could further weaken institutions responsible for providing essential services.
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