DaysofPal- The Arab Organization for Human Rights in Britain has strongly condemned the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for its decision to immediately terminate the employment of 70 staff members in the Gaza Strip, accusing the agency of succumbing to Israeli pressure.
In a statement released on Saturday, the organization said the dismissals were based on unverified Israeli allegations that were not supported by evidence, describing the move as a “blatant violation of international law” and of the workers’ rights guaranteed under UN standards.
According to the statement, the decision was issued on June 11 by UNRWA’s Acting Commissioner-General, Christian Saunders, despite the agency acknowledging that it had not received any evidence from Israeli occupation substantiating the accusations against the employees, even after repeated requests for such information.
The organization noted that UNRWA itself clarified that the terminations were not disciplinary measures and did not constitute proof of the allegations.
However, it stressed that the practical consequences are severe, as dozens of employees have now lost their sole source of income at a time when Gaza is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
It warned that the decision places around 70 Palestinian families in extremely difficult living conditions and sets a dangerous precedent that could allow international institution employees to be targeted based on unverified claims originating from Israeli authorities.
The group further argued that this step reflects what it described as a recurring pattern of Israeli accusations against UNRWA staff, many of which have not been substantiated by previous international investigations.
It pointed out that a 2024 investigation by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services did not confirm Israeli claims against a number of UNRWA employees.
Additionally, it cited a finding by the International Court of Justice in October 2025, which concluded, according to the statement, that Israeli occupation had not provided sufficient evidence to support allegations regarding the affiliation of large numbers of UNRWA staff with Palestinian factions.
The organization warned that relying on intelligence provided by an occupying power accused of serious violations undermines the principle of humanitarian neutrality and threatens the independence of international institutions.
It argued that such actions risk transforming UNRWA from a UN body tasked with protecting Palestinian refugees into one that responds to external political and security pressures.
While acknowledging that UNRWA operates in a complex international environment and relies on cooperation from member states, the organization emphasized that such pressures do not justify decisions that infringe upon employees’ rights.
The statement concluded by calling for greater protection for UNRWA staff and for international accountability mechanisms to ensure that humanitarian institutions remain independent and impartial.
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