Expert Warns of Efforts to Undermine UNRWA’s Role in Supporting Palestinian Refugees

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Mahmoud Khalaf, an expert on refugee affairs and former head of the Joint Refugee Committee, stated that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is currently navigating a difficult and complex phase. He noted that hundreds of UNRWA staff members have been dismissed in recent years, leading to a reduction in the agency’s services and programs.

Khalaf further explained that the recent decision to dismiss 70 UNRWA employees was made in response to pressures and demands from the Israeli regime concerning the agency’s personnel and operations. This decision has sparked widespread opposition and protest among refugees and UNRWA staff. He cautioned that current developments are intensifying concerns about a deliberate policy aimed at undermining UNRWA and eradicating its historic role in supporting Palestinian refugees.

The refugee affairs expert called for an immediate cessation of punitive measures against UNRWA staff and urged for the reinforcement of the agency’s services and programs. Khalaf emphasized that UNRWA serves as an international witness to the issue of Palestinian refugees and bears the responsibility of providing them with essential services.