UN says UNRWA staff can appeal terminations as it seeks access after Israel suspends multiple NGOs
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Summary
The UN spokesperson said the Secretary-General has confidence in UNRWA management and that employees issued termination letters have a right to appeal through the UNRWA dispute tribunal; the briefing also noted ongoing UN contacts with Israeli authorities after Israel suspended a number of humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders.
The United Nations addressed questions about UNRWA staffing and broader humanitarian access after reports that Israel had suspended two dozen humanitarian organizations.
Spokesperson Steph said the Secretary-General "has full confidence in mister management" of UNRWA (referenced in the briefing as Mr. Lazzurini) and described UNRWA operations as taking place in "the most challenging circumstances" financially and physically. On staff terminations, Steph said that employees who received termination letters "have a right to appeal through the UNRWA dispute tribunal," and asked reporters to direct further procedural questions to UNRWA.
Journalists asked whether there were behind-the-scenes efforts to persuade Israel to reverse its decision to suspend roughly two dozen organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans FrontiE8res). Steph said there are "constant contacts between our colleagues in Jerusalem, notably our political and humanitarian colleagues, and the Israeli authorities" and that those contacts aim to make it easier for the UN to deliver humanitarian aid.
The briefing did not provide further operational detail or a timetable for reversing suspensions; reporters were referred to UNRWA for specifics about staffing decisions and to UN colleagues on the ground for updates on access and delivery of aid.
