'Shaking Hands With Devils Of Genocide': Pro-Palestine Activist Slams World Bank Chief Ajay Banga

Last Updated:April 07, 2026, 23:53 IST

The disruption occurred while Banga was speaking at an event hosted by the Atlantic Council, focused on job creation and economic development in emerging economies.

World Bank President Ajay Banga was confronted by a pro-Palestinian activist during a public event in Washington, where he was accused of complicity in what the protester described as “genocide" in Gaza and urged to resign.

The disruption occurred while Banga was speaking at an event hosted by the Atlantic Council, focused on job creation and economic development in emerging economies.

Interrupting his remarks, the protester shouted, “You are shaking hands with the devils of genocide. You need to resign… shame on you," referring to the World Bank’s engagement in Gaza-related initiatives.

Banga responded calmly to the interruption, saying the institution respected differing viewpoints.

“We respect her point of view as well. It’s absolutely fine," he said, adding that such concerns should be discussed in detail. He noted that there would be opportunities to explain the World Bank’s role and actions through what he referred to as the “Board of Peace."

World Bank’s Role In Gaza Reconstruction

The protest comes amid the World Bank’s deepening involvement in Gaza’s post-war recovery.

In February 2026, Banga announced the creation of a dedicated Gaza Reconstruction & Development Fund, aimed at managing international donations and overseeing large-scale rebuilding efforts in the conflict-hit region.

The initiative follows a joint United Nations-World Bank assessment that estimated damage in Gaza at $18.5 billion.

The report noted that between October 2023 and January 2024, the destruction was equivalent to nearly 97 percent of the combined GDP of the West Bank and Gaza in 2022.

Under the plan, the World Bank is acting as a trustee for reconstruction funds, with a focus on rebuilding housing and critical infrastructure, as well as supporting humanitarian assistance.

Banga has also been appointed to the Board of Peace, a body tasked with overseeing reconstruction efforts and temporary governance arrangements in Gaza.

To address donor concerns, the bank has said it is putting in place strict financial, legal and oversight mechanisms, including appointing a dedicated financial controller to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds.

News world 'Shaking Hands With Devils Of Genocide': Pro-Palestine Activist Slams World Bank Chief Ajay Banga

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