UNFPA staff in uproar over cooperation agreement with Israel

The deputy head of the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency has “unequivocally” apologized to staff in Arab states for not consulting them before renewing a cooperation agreement with Israel this month — a move that sparked fierce backlash internally, including demands for the resignation of all involved. A petition to the United Nations Population Fund’s executive committee, signed by more than 150 staff and seen by Devex, said the move “has placed our reputation, credibility, and neutrality at risk.” “On 11 June, 2025, almost three years after the relentless attack on Gaza by the Government of Israel which has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 people, including more than 16,000 children, the destruction and damage of 94% of the hospitals, and repeated attacks on UN personnel and infrastructure, UNFPA leadership signed a MOU [memorandum of understanding] with Israel in a public ceremony attended by the Israel Ambassador,” the petition noted, adding that “the Israeli government widely disseminated footage of the signing across its official channels.” The petition stated that the MoU “puts at risk the safety and credibility of UNFPA personnel working in Gaza and the region,” as well as undermining trust with donors and “global audiences.” Israel’s delegation to the U.N. posted a video on social media showing its U.N. ambassador signing the MoU with UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Diene Keita. Israel described the signing as “an important step forward in strengthening our shared commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health, empowering women and youth, and promoting gender equality,” and added that “Israel remains deeply committed to working with international partners to build a healthier, more inclusive future for all.” UNFPA spent $229 million last year in the Arab states as part of its global mission to deliver sexual and reproductive health services. It’s a trying time for the agency. Under the Trump administration, the United States — by far UNFPA’s largest donor — has terminated 44 of its grants, worth $335 million. In April, UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Kanem told staff she planned to step down on July 15, months before her second four-year term was due to end in October. Internal questions The agency told Devex that the deal with the Israeli development agency MASHAV extends an existing memorandum of understanding from 2016 and is designed “to advance sexual and reproductive rights.” A UNFPA spokesperson did not reply to questions on the precise purpose of the MoU, whether it involves any financial commitments, and why it is not public. “Internally, questions were raised about consultations related to the MoU renewal,” the spokesperson told Devex by email. “UNFPA encourages a speak-up culture and management is engaging with staff to listen and learn so that it can continue to improve how it operates.” A spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Keita, who is also a U.N. assistant secretary-general, wrote to all UNFPA staff from the Arab states region on June 16. “It is with deep humility that I write to you today,” Keita wrote in an email, seen by Devex. “In serving Member States, we have a duty to assess the context in its totality and always uphold a duty of care to protect our personnel and respect our principles. I deeply regret the renewal of a technical MOU with Israel, at this time, [which] was not consulted and has caused pain for many of our staff. That was a mistake for which I unequivocally apologize. I am committed to working with staff representatives and UNFPA leadership to identify where the gaps are in our due diligence process and procedures and how to address them going forward.” However, two days later, the petitioners wrote back from an anonymous email address that Keita’s apology “falls short of the gravity of the situation.” “The renewal of the MoU — without consultation, transparency, or consideration of the dire ongoing context — was a decision that not only caused immense hurt to staff, but also deeply compromised UNFPA’s core values and the trust we place in its leadership,” they responded. “An internal review process is not enough. We call for: A full termination of the MoU with the State of Israel; The public and formal resignation of those involved in initiating and approving this action; A public apology from the highest levels of UNFPA leadership, addressed to all staff globally and to the communities we serve — especially those whose lives have been shattered by the violence in Gaza. Anything less would be a disservice to the principles we uphold and to the many women, girls, and vulnerable communities who look to UNFPA as a beacon of justice and protection.” The UNFPA spokesperson told Devex that the agreement is “one of many that UNFPA maintains with governments and other organizations worldwide — and that it can choose to employ when it makes sense — to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights.” “UNFPA plays a key role in delivering essential sexual and reproductive health services in the world’s most complex humanitarian crises, including in the occupied Palestinian territory,” the spokesperson wrote. “Our staff in Gaza are working tirelessly under extraordinary conditions to deliver life-saving care to women and girls facing unimaginable suffering. Their safety, wellbeing, and the ability to carry out their mission remains the highest priority for UNFPA's leadership.” Know more about this story ? Contact the reporter via vince.chadwick@devex.com.