The Arab Staff Union of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the West Bank has announced its categorical rejection of any plans to lay off employees under Staff Regulation 10.1 under the pretext of the Agency’s financial crisis. The Union stressed that job security and workers’ rights are not financial figures that can be compromised, but rather acquired rights earned through years of dedicated service and commitment.
In a statement issued on 7 November 2026, the Union affirmed that employees must not be left to bear the consequences of UNRWA’s financial crisis alone. It stressed that the Agency’s senior management and donor countries must assume their responsibilities by securing the necessary funding and ensuring the sustainability of UNRWA’s services to Palestinian refugees.
The statement also warned against any measures targeting Qalqilia Hospital, stressing that it is the only UNRWA hospital in the West Bank. Any decision to close the hospital or reduce its services would deprive thousands of refugees of essential healthcare and constitute a violation of their health rights.
The Union called for the immediate withdrawal of any plans to lay off employees and the cancellation of any proposals to close Qalqilia Hospital or reduce its services. It also urged efforts to address the financial crisis through mobilising resources and securing international support, rather than shifting its burden onto employees and refugees.
As part of its response, the Union announced a series of protest actions against the layoff policies. The first action will be a protest rally outside Qalqilia Hospital on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, at 12:00 noon, calling on all male and female employees to participate widely.
The statement emphasised that these actions are being organised in defence of workers’ rights, the dignity of Palestinian refugees, and the continuation of UNRWA’s services, under the slogan:
“One Voice, One Position, Rights Are Not Negotiable.”
Key Protest Actions Announced:
- Launching a series of protest activities in rejection of staff layoff decisions.
- Organising a central protest rally outside Qalqilia Hospital on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, at 12:00 noon.
- Calling for broad participation by male and female employees in Qalqilia Governorate.
- Continuing protest activities, with further escalation measures to be announced in light of developments.
Linking all protest actions to the defence of workers’ rights, the continuation of UNRWA services, and the protection of Qalqilia Hospital against any closure or service reductions.
