Gaza Herald – Ali Hawidi, head of the 302 Committee for the Defense of Palestinian Refugees Rights, strongly condemned Acting Commissioner-General Christian Saunders’ announcement regarding plans to dismiss a large number of employees if additional funds are not secured. Speaking to Wafa News Agency, Hawidi described holding staff accountable for the agency’s financial shortfall as an unjust and illegal decision.
He emphasized that responsibility lies with the agency administration to intensify efforts in contacting donor countries and pressuring them to provide necessary funds. Hawidi warned that threats to fire staff cannot be separated from attempts to target UNRWA and gradually reduce its capabilities, aligning with Israeli and American visions.
The official cautioned that repercussions would extend beyond employees to affect the Palestinian refugee cause and their right of return. He stressed that these threats are rejected and called for urgent Palestinian action across popular, media, diplomatic, political, and legal levels to pressure for reversal of decisions affecting employee rights.
Hawidi noted that UNRWA staff previously faced measures including a twenty percent salary deduction and a reduction in working days from five to four weekly. He affirmed that continuing such measures negatively impacts service quality for refugees who urgently need assistance under difficult humanitarian conditions.
He explained that job insecurity and anxiety about the future also affect employees’ ability to perform duties. Reducing the workforce will increase pressure on basic services provided by UNRWA to millions of refugees. Approximately six million Palestinian refugees benefit from services across five operational areas.
Any further reduction in capacity would have direct consequences on education, health, relief, and social services sectors. Hawidi expressed surprise at the lack of clear positions from the General Conference and seven trade unions regarding Saunders’ statements, noting that current stages require union action to defend employee rights.
He linked these procedures to recommendations concerning reducing agency capabilities, referencing a report by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. Hawidi warned that interfering with trade union independence would weaken their role in defending workers. He called for peaceful civil and union protests outside UNRWA offices and supporting embassies, particularly those of European Union countries.
UNRWA faces a worsening financial crisis impacting staff conditions and service continuity amid funding shortages and rising humanitarian needs, especially in Gaza. During 2026, the agency implemented austerity measures including a twenty percent reduction in service hours and salary cuts for most local staff.
Decisions sparking Palestinian objections included terminating contracts of hundreds of Gaza-based employees located outside the sector. Earlier, Acting Commissioner-General Saunders warned that the cash deficit for the 2026 budget reached approximately one hundred million dollars, threatening the agency’s ability to continue providing essential services.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
