Ramallah: Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa reaffirmed the State of Palestine's full support for the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), describing it as a cornerstone of international responsibility toward Palestinian refugees. He stressed that supporting UNRWA is not only a humanitarian necessity but also a political imperative to preserve stability and uphold international law.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, this statement came during a phone call with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. Prime Minister Mustafa highlighted that the situation in Gaza remains catastrophic and emphasized UNRWA's critical role as the backbone of service delivery to millions who rely on its schools, clinics, and relief operations. He reaffirmed ongoing coordination with the Agency to ensure the continuity of essential services, noting its vital presence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in strengthening societal resilience and social cohesion.
Mustafa emphasized that the State of Palestine will continue mobilizing political and diplomatic support from partners and donors, urging them to renew and expand their financial contributions on a regular, multi-year basis to ensure the sustainability of services, particularly in the health and education sectors. He further noted that Palestine's position remains clear: UNRWA's role is indispensable in the post-war phase in Gaza, and its schools, clinics, and relief centers must continue operating.
Mustafa unequivocally rejected any attempts to bypass or replace the Agency, underscoring that its mandate must remain in place until a just and comprehensive solution for the refugee issue is achieved, in line with UN General Assembly Resolution 194.