High Level Ministerial Meeting on UNWRA

I begin by thanking the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Kingdom of Sweden for organizing this important meeting.

I also extend my deep appreciation to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, represented today by its Commissioner-General, His Excellency Philippe Lazzarini. 

Mr. Lazzarini, please convey my heartfelt gratitude to all of the Agency’s personnel who continue to provide vital assistance and protection under extraordinary, challenging circumstances.

We convene at a time when the Agency’s work is more crucial than ever, in light of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. 

Thousands of women and children have been killed or injured, and million others displaced. 

Civilian infrastructure across Gaza lies in ruins.

In this dire context, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees plays a critical role in providing protection, shelter, food, water, and medical care to millions of suffering people in Gaza.

Like all humanitarian organizations, the Agency must be able to deliver its life-saving services safely and without hindrance. 

Over 220 of its staff have been killed while providing humanitarian assistance during the war in Gaza.

Many of those displaced, who sought refuge in the Agency’s facilities, have also been killed or injured.

International humanitarian law is unequivocal and must be respected by all parties to the conflict: civilians, humanitarian workers, and civilian installations must be protected at all times.

The endless cycle of death, destruction, and displacement in Gaza and the occupied West Bank will only end if the international community takes meaningful action toward a just, comprehensive, and lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

One based on international law, the United Nations Charter, and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Only a Two-State solution will allow Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and human dignity.

As the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees faces challenging times, I call on Member States to continue supporting it so that the Agency can fulfill its mandate as directed by the General Assembly. 

This support includes:

• Providing the necessary political backing in the face of continued political and reputational attacks; and
• Offering sufficient, predictable, and timely financial support to combat chronic underfunding.

Millions of Palestinian refugees--in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria--rely on this support; they rely on your support, and we must not let them down. 

Thank you.

[END]