Israel Restricts Access to UNRWA Staff Amid Deepening Aid Cuts in Gaza

UN Agency Cuts Staff Amid Financial Shortfall

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has implemented a series of austerity measures due to a significant financial shortfall in its 2026 budget. The agency announced that it would be laying off approximately 600 staff members, reducing working hours for local employees in Gaza by 20%, and terminating contracts for employees based outside Gaza who had been previously placed on “exceptional leave”.

According to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, the agency is facing a severe financial deficit of around $220 million. This shortfall threatens the agency’s ability to meet core operational obligations, including staff salaries and the continuation of essential humanitarian programs.

The cuts come amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where the agency has recorded over 380 deaths among its staff members since October 2023 due to Israeli attacks. In January, Israel passed legislation effectively banning the agency’s operations in areas it considers part of “Israeli sovereignty”, including occupied East Jerusalem.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this month that he could take Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) if it does not repeal laws targeting UNRWA and return its seized assets and property. The agency has denied allegations of being lenient or complicit with Palestinian armed groups, stating that it takes disciplinary action against any employee proven to be involved in wrongdoing.

As a result of the cuts, Maryam Shaaban, a 52-year-old teacher who had worked with UNRWA for 18 years, was among those laid off. She is currently displaced in Egypt with her injured husband and has expressed concerns about being forced to leave behind her children in Gaza.

Source: Al Jazeera