Date: July 23, 2025
Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Head of the Refugee Affairs Department, Dr. Ahmed Abu Holi, met today in Cairo with the Follow-up Committee representing UNRWA employees who were placed on unpaid special leave. He briefed them on the Palestinian efforts aimed at resolving their case by reinstating their salaries and canceling the special leave decision.
During the meeting, which was attended by Dr. Wajih Abu Zarifa, Advisor to the Refugee Affairs Department, Dr. Abu Holi stressed that their case is a top priority for the department. He added that it was raised during the UNRWA Advisory Commission meetings held on June 24–25, and in the 113th session of the Conference of Supervisors of Palestinian Affairs.
Dr. Abu Holi confirmed that communications with UNRWA and its Commissioner-General are ongoing to reverse the decision and reinstate the salaries of all affected employees in Egypt, whose number is estimated at 620.
He also presented the committee with the proposals submitted by the Refugee Affairs Department to UNRWA's leadership in a letter addressed to the Commissioner-General. These proposals take into account UNRWA’s financial crisis and include:
Canceling the unpaid leave decision
Allowing employees to return to Gaza when the border opens
Reinstating the remote work system
Utilizing profits from employees' savings accounts
Other practical suggestions that could help UNRWA afford the employees' salaries while they remain outside Gaza
He emphasized that he will soon meet with the Commissioner-General to discuss these proposals and find optimal solutions.
Dr. Abu Holi reaffirmed the PLO’s and host countries' rejection of resolving UNRWA’s financial crisis at the expense of Palestinian refugees' services or the rights of UNRWA staff.
The Follow-up Committee expressed its deep appreciation to the Refugee Affairs Department and its head, Dr. Abu Holi, for their continued efforts and pressure on UNRWA to revoke its decision.
