Doha (UNA/QNA) – The foreign ministers of the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Turkey, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Arab Republic of Egypt affirm the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in protecting the rights of Palestinian refugees and caring for their affairs.
For decades, UNRWA has carried out a unique mandate entrusted to it by the international community, concerned with protecting refugees and providing education, health, social services and emergency assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees in its areas of operation, in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 302 of 1949.
The adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution renewing UNRWA’s mandate for an additional three years reflects international confidence in the vital role played by the agency and the continuity of its operations.
The ministers condemn the storming of the UNRWA headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem by Israeli forces, as this attack represents a flagrant violation of international law and the sanctity of UN premises. This is an unacceptable escalation and contravenes the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on October 22, 2025, which clearly states Israel’s obligation as an occupying power not to obstruct UNRWA operations, but rather to facilitate them.
In light of the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the ministers emphasize the essential role played by the Agency in distributing humanitarian aid through its network of distribution centers, ensuring that food, relief supplies and basic necessities reach those who need them fairly and efficiently, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2803.
UNRWA schools and health facilities are a lifeline for the refugee community in Gaza, continuing to support education and provide basic health care services despite extremely difficult conditions, which supports the implementation of President Trump’s plan on the ground and enables Palestinians to remain on their land and build their homeland.
The ministers emphasize that UNRWA’s role is irreplaceable, as no other entity possesses the infrastructure, expertise, and field presence necessary to meet the needs of Palestinian refugees or to ensure the continued provision of services on the required scale, and any weakening of the agency’s capacity will have serious humanitarian, social, and political repercussions for the entire region.
Accordingly, the ministers call upon the international community to ensure that it receives adequate and sustainable funding, and to grant it the necessary political and operational space to continue its vital work in all five of its areas of operation.
Supporting UNRWA is a fundamental pillar for maintaining stability, preserving human dignity, and guaranteeing the rights of Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution to their issue is reached in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, including UN General Assembly Resolution 194.
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