DaysofPal — Many Palestinians gathered in western Gaza City on Wednesday to protest calls to end the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), warning that any such move would threaten the rights of Palestinian refugees.
The demonstration, organized by the Popular Committee for Refugees in al-Shati refugee camp, brought together residents who said UNRWA remains a key institution in preserving the historical and legal rights of refugees.
During the rally, participants burned a photo of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham in protest against his statements supporting the Israeli genocidal war against Gaza, including remarks that demonstrators said involved calls for the use of nuclear weapons.
In a speech at the event, the committee rejected statements attributed to the so-called “Peace Board,” which suggested that UNRWA has no role in Gaza.
Organizers said such positions align with efforts to dismantle the agency and remove the international witness to the Palestinian refugee issue.
Participants also criticized the focus on UNRWA’s future amid severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza, questioning the lack of stronger international responses to famine, the Israeli blockade, and the ongoing Israeli genocide.
The committee further criticized Nikolay Mladenov, described as an envoy associated with the “Peace Council,” accusing him of adopting positions they said reflect Israeli narratives while failing to call for an end to the Israeli genocidal war, to lift the blockade, or ensure civilian protection.
Speakers emphasized that UNRWA’s continued operation is closely linked to preserving the rights of Palestinian refugees, particularly the right of return.
The protest concluded with calls for international action to halt Israel’s genocidal war, ease Israeli restrictions on Gaza, and ensure the continuation of UNRWA’s operations until refugees’ rights are secured under international law.
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