Islamabad (TDI): The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates have reaffirmed the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in protecting the rights and welfare of Palestinian refugees.
In a joint statement on Friday, the ministers highlighted UNRWA’s decades-long mandate to provide protection, education, healthcare, social services, and emergency assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees, in line with UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (1949). They welcomed the recent UN General Assembly decision to renew UNRWA’s mandate for an additional three years, noting it reflects international confidence in the agency’s essential work.
The ministers strongly condemned the storming of UNRWA headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, by Israeli forces, describing it as a blatant violation of international law and UN premises, as well as a breach of the International Court of Justice advisory opinion issued on 22 October 2025. They emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated to facilitate UNRWA’s operations, not impede them.
Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ministers underscored UNRWA’s critical role in ensuring the fair and efficient distribution of food, relief supplies, and essential items, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2803. They noted that UNRWA schools and health facilities continue to provide education and primary healthcare to refugee communities, helping Palestinians remain in their homeland and rebuild their lives.
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The ministers stressed that UNRWA’s role is irreplaceable, noting that no other organization possesses the infrastructure, expertise, and field presence required to maintain services at the necessary scale. They warned that any weakening of UNRWA’s capacity could have serious humanitarian, social, and political consequences across the region.
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Accordingly, they called on the international community to ensure sustainable funding and provide UNRWA with the political and operational space needed to continue its work across all five fields of operation. The ministers concluded that supporting UNRWA is essential for regional stability, protecting human dignity, and upholding the rights of Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution is achieved, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, including UN General Assembly Resolution 194.
