The State of Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), emphasizing the agency’s crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees. This statement was made by Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani, during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee in New York.
Sheikh Jassim highlighted UNRWA’s essential services to over five million Palestinian refugees across the Middle East, including in the Gaza Strip, where the humanitarian situation has become catastrophic. The agency’s responsibilities have significantly increased in light of the ongoing conflict.
UNRWA’s Vital Role in Humanitarian Assistance
Established in 1949, UNRWA continues to provide vital humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees in the State of Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The agency’s efforts are crucial in sustaining humanitarian operations and providing essential services during and after conflicts.
According to Sheikh Jassim, the State of Qatar, in cooperation with Egypt, Turkiye, and the United States, successfully brokered a ceasefire agreement on October 13th in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, aimed at ending the bloodshed and humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that UNRWA played a crucial role in the region.
Challenges Facing UNRWA and the Need for Continued Support
The Second Secretary noted that UNRWA faces significant political, financial, legal, and operational challenges. Despite these challenges, the agency remains committed to providing essential services to Palestinian refugees. The State of Qatar has been a long-standing supporter of UNRWA, having signed a multi-year agreement with the agency in 2018 and providing over $49 million in contributions in 2024.
Sheikh Jassim urged all member states to provide full and unconditional political and financial support to ensure the continued operation of UNRWA. He warned that any ban or obstruction of the agency’s activities would have severe humanitarian, political, and security consequences, potentially depriving millions of Palestinians of essential services.
International Law and UNRWA’s Mandate
The State of Qatar emphasized the importance of implementing the advisory opinions and orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) related to UNRWA and Israel’s obligations as the occupying power. The agency’s mandate is set to be renewed in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 302 and subsequent resolutions.
Sheikh Jassim reiterated Qatar’s unwavering stance on the just cause of Palestine and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, based on international law resolutions that guarantee their right to self-determination, return, and the establishment of their independent and sovereign state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. For more information on UNRWA’s efforts, visit the UNRWA website.
As the General Assembly considers UNRWA’s mandate, the international community remains focused on the agency’s continued operation and the future of Palestinian refugees. The next steps in this process are expected to be crucial in determining the agency’s ability to continue providing essential services.
