Jerusalem: The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Trkiye, and the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Palestinian refugees.
According to Palestine news and Information Agency - WAFA, the ministers issued a statement stressing UNRWA's unique mandate entrusted by the international community for decades. This involves providing protection, education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees, in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (1949). The statement highlighted the international community's confidence in the agency as evidenced by the renewal of UNRWA's mandate for three more years.
The ministers condemned the recent storming of the UNRWA headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem by Israeli forces. They stated that this action constitutes a violation of international law and the inviolability of UN premises, marking an unacceptable escalation. They referenced the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice dated 22 October 2025, which obligates Israel, as an occupying power, to facilitate UNRWA's operations.
In light of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the ministers underscored UNRWA's crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance through its distribution centers. These centers ensure fair and efficient distribution of food, relief items, and basic necessities. UNRWA's schools and health facilities continue to provide education and primary health care, which is vital for refugee communities in Gaza.
The ministers emphasized that UNRWA's role is irreplaceable, citing its infrastructure, expertise, and field presence as unmatched in meeting the needs of Palestinian refugees. They warned that any weakening of the agency's capacity could lead to severe humanitarian, social, and political repercussions in the region.
They called upon the international community to ensure sustainable funding for UNRWA and to provide the agency with the necessary political and operational space to continue its work in all five fields of operations. The statement concluded by stating that supporting UNRWA is key to maintaining stability, preserving human dignity, and upholding the rights of Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution is achieved.