PLO calls on UNRWA to reverse dismissal of Gaza health workers

The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) has urged the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, to reverse its decision to terminate the contracts of dozens of health workers in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PLO’s Department of Refugee Affairs rejected the move, saying it undermines the core of humanitarian and healthcare work in the territory.

Earlier the same day, the Arab Employees Union at UNRWA in Gaza said it was surprised by new austerity measures, including the suspension of 87 health staff working on daily contracts. It warned that the step would further complicate an already severe humanitarian situation.

The PLO said the decision affects around 87 healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, some of whom have more than five years of service. It stressed that citing financial difficulties “does not justify undermining the refugee healthcare system”.

According to the statement, Ahmed Abu Holi, a member of the PLO Executive Committee and head of its Refugee Affairs Department, described the decision as “irresponsible”. He noted that these medical teams have provided more than 15.9 million consultations since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

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