Gaza Herald- The Arab Staff Union of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip has announced 10 consecutive days of administrative noncompliance, beginning Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in protest against decisions and measures it says threaten employees’ job security, undermine their legitimate rights, and jeopardize the quality and continuity of services provided to Palestinian refugees.
The announcement came during a press conference held Monday outside the western gate of UNRWA’s Gaza Field Office, following a large-scale demonstration organized by agency employees from Gaza and northern Gaza.
The march began outside al-Katiba Mosque and proceeded toward the agency’s office, drawing broad participation from department heads, operations and area officials, and UNRWA employees.
Representatives of the Joint Refugee Committee, the Parents’ Council, professional unions, and Palestinian clans, tribes, and families also joined the demonstration.
According to the union, the widespread participation reflected a united position among employees and community organizations against what it described as arbitrary decisions targeting workers’ rights and threatening essential services for Palestinian refugees amid the continuing war in Gaza.
Union Warns of Threats to Job Security and Refugee Services
The Arab Staff Union expressed its categorical rejection of what it described as unfair policies and decisions adopted by UNRWA’s management.
It warned that these measures could have serious consequences for employees’ job security and the continuity of humanitarian, educational, health care, and relief services provided to Palestinian refugees.
The union emphasized that the potential impact would be particularly severe given the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where residents continue to face the consequences of Israeli military operations and restrictions.
It pledged to continue its labor protests and adopt further measures if necessary, stressing that defending Palestinian employees’ rights and preserving UNRWA and its institutions are collective responsibilities.
The union said protecting the agency’s role was essential to safeguarding the services on which Palestinian refugees depend.
Employees Urged to Unite Against Cuts and Layoffs
The union stressed that unity among employees was the foundation of efforts to challenge policies it believes are intended to weaken or dismantle UNRWA.
It called on all agency employees to participate actively in upcoming demonstrations and coordinate their efforts to communicate their demands to UNRWA’s management and the international community.
The union also reiterated its opposition to what it described as systematic reductions in services and measures threatening employment stability.
It urged UNRWA’s management to fulfill its legal and ethical responsibilities, immediately halt decisions affecting employees’ rights, dignity, and job security, and engage in serious dialogue aimed at reaching fair solutions.
Such discussions, the union said, should protect employees’ rights while ensuring that essential services for Palestinian refugees continue without reduction.
Protesters Reject Privatization and Service Reductions
During the march, demonstrators carried banners condemning UNRWA management’s policies and rejecting decisions to reduce services, lay off employees, and privatize certain essential programs.
Participants warned that these measures could have devastating consequences for humanitarian conditions in Gaza and for the basic services available to Palestinian refugees.
They demanded that the agency immediately reverse the contested decisions, arguing that maintaining these services is vital to refugees’ ability to withstand the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Union Pledges Continued Protests
At the conclusion of the press conference, the Arab Staff Union in Gaza reaffirmed its commitment to continuing labor action in defense of employees’ rights and dignity.
It also emphasized its determination to preserve UNRWA’s role as a central United Nations agency established to serve Palestinian refugees and as an institution closely connected to the Palestinian refugee issue.
The union said that solidarity between employees and the wider community would remain essential in opposing layoffs and service reductions.
It warned that employees’ rights and humanitarian assistance for Palestinian refugees must not become subjects of bargaining or coercion under any circumstances.
