Islamabad: Foreign Ministers from Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates have collectively reaffirmed the indispensable role of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Palestinian refugees.

According to Radio Pakistan, the eight Foreign Ministers issued a joint statement emphasizing UNRWA’s long-standing fulfillment of its unique mandate under UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (1949). They highlighted the agency’s efforts in providing essential services such as protection, education, healthcare, social services, and emergency aid to millions of refugees.

The recent decision by the UN General Assembly to renew UNRWA’s mandate for another three years was noted by the Ministers as a reflection of strong international confidence in the agency’s crucial work. This renewal underscores the international community’s endorsement of UNRWA’s continued operations and effectiveness.

Furthermore, the Foreign Ministers condemned the Israeli forces’ recent storming of UNRWA’s headquarters in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. They described this action as a blatant violation of international law, referencing the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, which mandates the occupying power to facilitate, rather than obstruct, UNRWA’s operations.

The Ministers urged the international community to ensure sustainable funding for UNRWA and called for the provision of the necessary political and operational space for the agency to continue its vital mission in supporting Palestinian refugees.