Gaza City – In a distressing turn of events, Maryam Shaaban, a devoted educator with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for nearly two decades, experienced an emotional setback upon receiving notification of her dismissal. She was among 600 employees whose contracts were terminated in a sweeping move attributed to the creeping financial constraints facing the agency amid challenging geopolitical circumstances.
Earlier this year, UNRWA implemented stringent austerity measures, including a 20 percent salary cut for local staff in Gaza and the reduction of working hours. Additional layoffs came for employees placed on exceptional leave, culminating in significant disruptions to the livelihoods of many educators and their families.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini cited a staggering budget shortfall of approximately 0 million for 2026, prompting these drastic actions. This financial deficit threatens to undermine the agency’s ability to fulfill critical operational responsibilities, including staff compensation and vital humanitarian programs that serve millions of Palestinian refugees. The impact of this situation is particularly acute in Gaza, where the agency plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability and providing essential services amid continued hardship.
Maryam, 52, now displaced in Egypt along with her injured spouse, began her tenure at UNRWA in 2007, working diligently to provide education to students in Jabalia, northern Gaza. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted her life, as she and her family were displaced multiple times and directly affected by airstrikes. Tragically, she lost her 22-year-old daughter during a recent Israeli air raid that also resulted in numerous injuries among her family members.
Concerns have arisen over Israel’s efforts to undermine UNRWA’s operations, as the agency faces accusations of complicity with armed groups, allegations it firmly denies. These unfounded claims coincide with legislative actions by the Israeli Knesset to restrict UNRWA’s activities in areas deemed part of Israeli sovereignty. The agency’s significance in Gaza cannot be overstated; it provides essential services, including education and healthcare, to a population already grappling with injustice.
The financial crisis is compounded by a decline in international support for UNRWA, as several donor nations have paused contributions following allegations against some of its staff. This dwindling support has led to increased hardships for Palestinians, exacerbating the humanitarian situation that many face daily.
UNRWA staff have voiced their frustrations, asserting that the agency’s cuts disproportionately impact Gaza, the area already burdened by conflict and loss. Union leader Mustafa al-Ghoul expressed the urgency of recognizing Gaza’s plight and providing the necessary support amid what he deems a dire humanitarian crisis.
The agency’s commitment to serving Palestinian refugees is integral to the well-being of the population, as emphasized by Amjad Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGOs Network. He states that UNRWA’s mission extends beyond basic services to uphold the political and social rights of a marginalized community.
As conditions continue to deteriorate, it is vital to advocate for the rights and dignity of all individuals affected by these challenges, emphasizing the need for compassion and stability in a region marked by resilience and hope.
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