The foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey issued a joint statement Friday underscoring the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in protecting the rights and welfare of millions of Palestinian refugees.
The ministers highlighted that UNRWA has, for decades, carried out a unique mandate entrusted by the international community under UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (1949).
Through its network of schools, health centers, and social service programs, the agency has provided education, healthcare, emergency relief, and humanitarian assistance across its five fields of operation.
They noted that the General Assembly’s recent renewal of UNRWA’s mandate for another three years reflects continued international confidence in its mission and the necessity of its work.
The statement strongly condemned the Israeli occupation forces’ invasion of UNRWA’s headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, describing it as a blatant violation of international law and the sanctity of UN facilities.
The ministers stressed that the assault represents an unacceptable escalation and directly contravenes the International Court of Justice advisory opinion of October 22, 2025, which affirmed Israel’s obligation as an occupying power to facilitate UNRWA’s operations rather than obstruct them.
Amid the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ministers emphasized UNRWA’s central role in distributing food, relief supplies, and essential items through its established network of distribution centers.
They noted that this work is consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2803, ensuring aid reaches those in need fairly and efficiently.
UNRWA’s schools and health facilities, they added, remain lifelines for the refugee community, sustaining education and basic healthcare despite extreme conditions.
The ministers stressed that UNRWA’s role cannot be substituted, as no other organization possesses the infrastructure, expertise, and field presence required to meet the needs of Palestinian refugees at scale.
Any weakening of the agency’s capacity, they warned, would have severe humanitarian, social, and political repercussions across the region.
The joint statement urged the international community to guarantee sustainable and sufficient funding for UNRWA and to provide the political and operational space necessary for it to continue its work.
The ministers affirmed that supporting UNRWA is essential for maintaining regional stability, safeguarding human dignity, and protecting refugee rights until a just and lasting solution is achieved in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, including General Assembly Resolution 194.
