West Bank protests against UNRWA cuts

Palestinian refugees hold banners during a protest against the UNWRA’s decision on aid cuts and downsizing plans in Bethlehem, West Bank on 26 September 2018 [Wisam Hashlamoun/Anadolu Agency]

Scores of Palestinian refugees yesterday held demonstrations against UNRWA’s cute in different cities across the occupied West Bank, Felesteen.ps reported.

Protesters raised Palestine flags and placards stressing that the organisation’s continued existence is a symbol of their cause.

In Bethlehem protesters headed to UNRWA’s headquarters, raising a large placard including a picture of Palestinian ID cards issued by the international organisation.

Similar demonstrations were held in Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm and Ramallah.

UNRWA began 2018 with a shortfall of $150 million following a $126 million deficit in 2017. Earlier this year the US suspended its funding of the organisation. UNRWA has warned that US cuts will hurt over half a million children; the UN agency runs 700 schools, where 525,000 boys and girls study, and operates 143 health clinics. Nearly 20,000 teaching jobs are said to be at risk, with the agency facing its worst financial crisis in its history.

Read: UNRWA cuts 40% of employees’ salaries

Palestinian refugees hold banners during a protest against the UNWRA's decision on aid cuts and downsizing plans in Bethlehem, West Bank om 26 September 2018 [Wisam Hashlamoun/Anadolu Agency]

Palestinian refugees hold banners during a protest against the UNWRA’s decision on aid cuts and downsizing plans in Bethlehem, West Bank on 26 September 2018 [Wisam Hashlamoun/Anadolu Agency]

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