UNRWA decides to close its offices in West Bank

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) decided Wednesday, 26th December, to shut down its Area and sub-Area Offices in the West Bank until further notice, saying it was forced to take such procedures due to the on-going interruptions to UNRWA services. UNRWA told PNN that this decision came due to the continued harassments against the UNRWA's employees. Wednesday morning, young men closed the offices in protest against the dismissal of 114 employees under the emergency fund and reduction of services and they also detained one of the UNRWA's cars and prevented the employee from reaching his regular work. UNRWA's inability to renew contracts was due to a reduction in donor funding, adding that the safety of the employees is of its prime importance. UNRWA revealed that as a human rights organization, it had no better option to avoid any situation that may lead to a confrontation, except closing its doors until situation gets better and UNRWA resumes its work freely and without interruption