WEB DESK: On Friday, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the UAE issued a joint statement emphasizing the vital importance of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in defending the rights and welfare of Palestinian refugees.
A statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office highlighted that “for many decades, UNRWA has fulfilled a unique mandate assigned by the international community, offering protection, education, healthcare, social services, and emergency aid to millions of Palestinian refugees in its operational areas, in line with UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (1949). The recent renewal of UNRWA’s mandate for three more years by the General Assembly underscores global confidence in the agency’s essential work and the continuation of its efforts.”
The ministers condemned the assault on the UNRWA headquarters located in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem by Israeli forces. They described this act as a blatant breach of international law and the sanctity of UN facilities, representing a significant escalation. They also referenced the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion dated October 22, 2025, which states that Israel, as an occupying power, is obligated not to obstruct UNRWA’s activities and should facilitate its operations.
Given the ongoing severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ministers stressed UNRWA’s critical role in providing humanitarian aid through its distribution centers, ensuring that essential supplies such as food, relief items, and basic necessities reach those in need efficiently and fairly, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2803. They also highlighted how UNRWA’s schools and healthcare facilities serve as vital lifelines for refugee communities in Gaza, offering education and primary health services amid difficult conditions. This support is crucial for implementing policies like President Trump’s Plan and helps Palestinian residents stay on their land and work toward rebuilding their homeland.
The ministers reaffirmed that UNRWA’s function is irreplaceable. No other organization has the necessary infrastructure, expertise, or field presence to adequately serve Palestinian refugees or maintain the continuity of vital services at the required scale. Any diminishment of the agency’s capacity could have serious humanitarian, social, and political consequences across the region.
Consequently, they urged the international community to provide sustainable and sufficient funding for UNRWA and to grant the agency the political and operational freedom needed to carry out its mission “in all five areas of operation.” Supporting UNRWA is essential for regional stability, preserving human dignity, and defending the rights of Palestinian refugees until a fair and lasting resolution, in line with international law and UN resolutions—including General Assembly Resolution 194—is achieved.
