UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is indispensable and cannot be replaced. Speaking at a ministerial meeting at the UN headquarters, Guterres called on member states to provide political and financial support to the agency. He highlighted the agency's critical role in providing basic services to Palestinian refugees. Guterres noted that UNRWA has been operating under exceptional pressure, with nearly 400 of its staff killed in the Gaza sector since October 7, 2023.
The UNRWA has faced significant challenges, including damage to or destruction of hundreds of its facilities, and prevention of access to others. The agency's headquarters in East Jerusalem was raided and demolished, and the Israeli authorities stormed and seized the Qalandia training center. Guterres described these actions as "totally unacceptable" and contrary to Israel's obligations under international law. He emphasized that UNRWA continues to perform its duties in Gaza, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
UNRWA provides humanitarian, developmental, and protection services to approximately 6 million Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution to their plight is achieved. However, the agency faces a severe financial crisis, with a cash deficit of around $100 million, threatening its operations and the well-being of millions of Palestinian refugees. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi echoed Guterres' sentiments, emphasizing that UNRWA is vital, particularly in the face of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza sector.
Safadi noted that UNRWA's ability to provide assistance and support to millions of Palestinians suffering from hunger and cold is crucial. He expressed appreciation for countries that have announced new donations to the agency, including France, Germany, and Belgium. The ministerial meeting, co-organized and sponsored by Jordan, Brazil, and Spain, aimed to mobilize political and financial support for UNRWA.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares reaffirmed his country's support for UNRWA, noting that Spain has contributed $18 million to the agency this year. He announced an additional contribution of €3 million. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Luiz Leiker Vieira condemned what he described as an organized campaign against UNRWA's operations, facilities, and staff.
Vieira denounced the demolition of UNRWA's headquarters in East Jerusalem and the storming of the Qalandia training center. He emphasized that the international community stands in solidarity with UNRWA. The agency's Acting Commissioner-General, Christian Saunders, thanked supporting countries, affirming that UNRWA continues to work on the ground, implementing the mandate assigned to it by the UN General Assembly.
Saunders acknowledged the challenging circumstances faced by Palestinian refugees, particularly in the occupied Palestinian territories. The ministerial meeting highlighted the significance of UNRWA's role in supporting Palestinian refugees and the need for sustained support to ensure the agency's continuity.
Key points
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizes the crucial role of UNRWA in supporting Palestinian refugees
- UNRWA faces a severe financial crisis, with a cash deficit of around $100 million
- The agency continues to provide humanitarian, developmental, and protection services to approximately 6 million Palestinian refugees
