Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye and Qatar on Friday rallied behind the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, stressing that its role in protecting Palestinian refugees and caring for their needs is both indispensable and irreplaceable.
They warned that any effort to undermine its capacity could carry dangerous consequences for the region.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the eight countries said that for decades UNRWA has carried out a unique mandate entrusted to it by the international community, focused on protecting Palestinian refugees and providing education, health care, social services and emergency assistance to millions of them across its areas of operation, in line with UN General Assembly Resolution 302 of 1949.
They added that the General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution renewing UNRWA’s mandate for an additional three years reflects international confidence in the agency’s vital role and the continuity of its operations.
The ministers condemned the Israeli forces’ storming of the agency’s headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, saying the attack constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the inviolability of UN premises.
They described it as an unacceptable escalation that runs counter to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on Oct. 22, 2025, which stipulates that Israel, as an occupying power, must not obstruct UNRWA’s operations but rather facilitate them.
On the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ministers stressed the agency’s essential role in distributing aid through its network of centers, ensuring that food, relief supplies and necessities reach those entitled to them fairly and efficiently, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
The statement said UNRWA schools and health facilities are a lifeline for the refugee community in Gaza, as they continue to support education and provide basic health services despite extremely difficult conditions.
It added that this supports the implementation on the ground of US President Donald Trump’s plan and enables Palestinians to remain on their land and build their homeland.
The ministers reaffirmed that UNRWA’s role cannot be replaced, saying there is no other entity with the infrastructure, expertise and field presence required to meet the needs of Palestinian refugees or to ensure the continuity of services on the necessary scale.
They warned that any weakening of UNRWA’s capacity would result in serious humanitarian, social, and political repercussions across the region. They called on the international community to ensure adequate and sustainable funding for the agency and to grant it the political and operational space needed to continue its vital work across all five areas of operation.
The statement noted that support for UNRWA is a cornerstone for preserving stability, safeguarding human dignity and guaranteeing the rights of Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution to their cause is reached in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, including General Assembly Resolution 194.
