On 29 November annually, the world observes the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People—a powerful reminder of the unlawful presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the unresolved question of the right to self-determination for Palestinians.
To mark the day, United Nations Volunteers (UNV) spotlights the dedication of six UN Volunteers serving with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Jordan and Egypt. These volunteers support the ongoing humanitarian response in Gaza and make sure that essential resources reach those who need them most as the war continues unabated in its 13th month.
The devastation and loss endured by Palestinians is harrowing. Yet, amidst war, UN Volunteers bring hope of a new day.
Her deep-seated passion for social justice drives her forward—Nour Shehadeh serves as UN Volunteer Contributions Associate Officer in Jordan. She manages the allocation of donations and makes sure UNRWA’s humanitarian response in Gaza remains funded and is transparent. Nour simplifies the donation processes, and supports aid delivery during the crisis despite there being many resource limitations.
Another UN Volunteer, Wafa Aldeek is Contributions Officer and focuses on making sure donor contributions remain in line with UNRWA operational priorities and are effectively used. Wafa's analytical expertise helps to forecast the resource allocated for UNRWA's preparation and response to Gazans affected by the war.
Faris Khasawneh and Rab’h Eghzawi serve in Jordan as UN Volunteers Service Desk Support Associates. They bring technological support to UNRWA operations and ensure timely and efficient IT services—key to operational functions across the organization.
Faris and Rab’h have come up with custom solutions to expedite the set up of equipment—crucial to fast-track resources to Gaza. They encounter many challenges that continue to hamper getting equipment in.
Relief operations cannot be hindered and as such Faris and Rab'h's technical roles are the backbone of support needed on the ground. Crisis response needs rapid solutions and the flexibility to adapt to evolving conditions, including the data security of vital communications channels for UNRWA staff in Gaza.
As a Project Officer with UNRWA in Jordan, UN Volunteer funded by UNV's Special Voluntary Fund, Haya Batayneh uses her background in engineering and project management to address critical needs on the ground. Haya coordinates projects that deliver immediate humanitarian assistance in Gaza. She adapts latest information from the warzone when planning projects—while navigating the rapidly shifting dynamics in the region.
Based in Egypt, Youssef Aly serves as a UN Volunteer External Relations and Partnerships Officer for Gaza’s crisis response. He plays an essential role in keeping UNRWA at the forefront of humanitarian efforts. Youssef monitors developments on the ground, comes up with clear and concise messages for partners placing UNRWA's role as most important humanitarian entity in the UN system for Palestinians.
Youssef also conducts in-depth research and analysis on the incoming information from Gaza. He prepares information for the media and actively engages with international organizations, local government and partners.
It has been 13 months and the war in Gaza continues. Declared one of the deadliest conflicts in centuries on civilians and infrastructure, the evidence keeps multiplying on numerous cases of international humanitarian law violations, including against humanitarians and volunteers. UN Volunteers stand resilient and ready to support UNRWA's operations on the ground.
Hope in despair—undeterred by challenges—across the State of Palestine and neighboring countries, 34 UN Volunteers serve with 10 UN entities, 18 of whom are funded through UNV’s Special Voluntary Fund meant to address crisis and emergency response.
© 2026 UN Volunteers
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