A group of leading Muslim countries issued a strong joint statement on UNRWA. The declaration emphasized support for UNRWA as a humanitarian and political necessity. The statement addressed rising regional tensions and deepening humanitarian needs.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates signed the statement. Together, they reaffirmed the agency’s essential role. They highlighted its decades long service to Palestinian refugees.
UNRWA continues to protect refugee rights across several regions. It delivers education, healthcare, and social services. It also provides emergency aid during crises. The international community entrusted this mandate through a United Nations resolution in 1949.
Recently, the UN General Assembly renewed UNRWA’s mandate for three more years. This decision reflected global confidence in the agency. It also ensured continuity for millions of vulnerable refugees.
However, the ministers strongly condemned a recent incident in East Jerusalem. Israeli forces stormed the UNRWA headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah. According to the ministers, this action violated international law. It also breached the protection granted to UN premises.
Moreover, the ministers referenced a recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice. The court confirmed Israel’s obligation to facilitate UNRWA operations. Instead, the incident represented a dangerous escalation.
At the same time, the ministers focused on Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis. They stressed UNRWA’s frontline role. Through distribution centers, the agency delivers food and essential supplies. These efforts follow United Nations Security Council guidance.
UNRWA schools and clinics continue operating under extreme pressure. Teachers still educate children. Medical teams still deliver primary care. These services help communities survive and remain rooted on their land.
Furthermore, the ministers emphasized that UNRWA has no replacement. No other organization matches its infrastructure and experience. Its deep field presence ensures efficient and fair assistance delivery.
Any attempt to weaken the agency would create severe consequences. The ministers warned of humanitarian collapse. They also cautioned against social and political instability across the region.
Therefore, the statement urged sustained international funding. Governments and donors must act quickly. Financial uncertainty threatens essential services for millions of refugees.
In addition, the ministers called for political and operational protection for UNRWA. The agency needs freedom to work across all five operational fields. Without this space, its mission faces serious risks.
The ministers underlined that support for UNRWA remains a pillar of regional stability. It also preserves human dignity during prolonged displacement. Most importantly, it safeguards refugee rights under international law.
They reaffirmed commitment to a just solution for Palestinian refugees. This solution must align with United Nations resolutions. It must also respect long established legal principles.
Ultimately, the ministers concluded that support for UNRWA serves global humanitarian values. They urged the international community to act responsibly. Continued inaction, they warned, would deepen suffering and prolong instability.
