30 Jan 2018 | 07:44 PM UTC
Israel/Palestinian Territories: UN workers protest in Gaza January 29
UN workers protest in Gaza against US cut in aid January 29; Gazan health system on verge of collapse
Event
Thousands of UN workers from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) staged a protest in Gaza on Monday, January 29, condemning US President Donald Trump's decision to cut US funding for the organization from USD 125 million to USD 65 million, as well as his administration's announced intent to suspend a separate USD 45 million in food aid.
Protesters marched to the UN headquarters in Gaza City; various schools, hospitals, and food distribution centers were closed. In addition, Beit Hanoun hospital closed on Monday due to a lack of fuel; it is unclear when the hospital will reopen. As a whole, the Gazan health system is reportedly suffering a shortage of medicine and fuel supplies, a situation worsened by frequent power cuts in the area. International organizations have warned that most clinics and hospitals will experience difficulties in meeting the demand for medical services in the coming weeks and months.
Context
UNRWA employs around 13,000 people and provides support for approximately 5 million Palestinian refugees across the region. The United States is by far the largest donor of the agency, and donated a total of USD 355 million in 2017. On January 16, President Trump announced that he would cut aid to the Palestinians, chastising Palestinian leaders for not engaging in a peace process with Israel. Palestinians, meanwhile, have condemned the Trump administration's December 6 decision to officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, stating that it disqualifies the US from serving as a neutral party in peace talks.
Advice
Individuals are advised against travel to the Gaza Strip due to the difficulties of exiting the territory, the high risk of terrorism, the recurrent eruptions of violence between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, and the poor living conditions on the ground. Individuals in Israel are advised to avoid the area near the Gazan border due to the frequent launching of rockets from Gaza.
