Palestinian factions in Gaza call to end latest UNRWA-US deal

Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip called to end an agreement   between the U.S and the United Nation’s agency for Palestinian refugees, saying the deal violates many of their rights.

Dozens of people protested in front of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees’ (UNRWA) headquarters on Tuesday, calling for an end to The Framework for Cooperation, a two-year working plan signed between the U.S  Department and UNRWA.

Protesters held banners reading, “We totally reject the agreement between the US and UNRWA.

“The right of return is consistent, we won’t give up.”

The Framework of Cooperation is an agreement signed between the US and UNRWA for 2021-2022 that calls for the resumption of funds to the refugee agency, after it was halted by former US president Donald Trump’s administration.

Under the framework, which was signed in July, the United States paid UNRWA $135m in additional funds.

“No contributions by the US shall be made to UNRWA, except on the condition that UNRWA takes all possible measures to assure that no part of the US contribution shall be used to furnish assistance to any refugee who is receiving military training as a member of the so-called Palestinian Liberation Army or any other guerrilla-type organization or has engaged in act of terrorism,” it said.

The framework also includes monitoring Palestinian school curriculum content.

The deal sparked a wave of anger and drew criticism from Palestinians who perceive it as a threat to Palestinian refugee rights and a serious change in UNRWA’s vision.

Kamila/Al-Jazeera