The ministry of foreign affairs and expatriates: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Wednesday expressed rejection of the Board of Peace's statements diminishing the role of the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Ministry emphasized the critical role of UNRWA in providing protection, assistance, education, healthcare, social protection, and emergency aid to Palestine refugees. The Ministry highlighted the importance of the agency's work in promoting self-reliance and preserving the dignity of refugees in regions such as the Gaza Strip, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in refugee camps in neighboring host countries.
The Ministry pointed out that UNRWA was established under an international mandate with a specific mission. It called for the agency to continue its operations in the Occupied Territory, describing it as a lifeline and an essential element for regional stability. The Ministry also condemned any statements that aim to undermine UNRWA's role without addressing the core issues affecting Palestine refugees and the Palestinian people, particularly the need to end Israel's prolonged occupation and to realize the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including those outlined in UNGA Resolution 194.
Furthermore, the Ministry rejected terminology that fragments Palestinian Territory, such as "New Gaza," which seeks to isolate the Gaza Strip, and "the people of Gaza." It affirmed the unity of the Palestinian people across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the diaspora, and reiterated that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the occupied State of Palestine.
The Ministry also recalled the State of Palestine's previous support for President Trump's plan and UNSC Resolution 2803. It welcomed the formation of the Palestinian Transitional Administrative Committee, which works in coordination with Mladenov and the Liaison Office of the Palestinian government.
Lastly, the Ministry urged all states, institutions, and entities to respect UNRWA's mandate, privileges, and immunities under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which requires UN member states to protect the agency and respect the inviolability of its premises in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Earlier, a statement by US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace on X declared: 'UNRWA has no place in the new Gaza. We are turning the page on the complex of perpetual aid dependency and conflict. The people of Gaza deserve better.'