Saudi Arabia Backs UNRWA with $40 Million for Gaza

UN workers are pictured at a UNRWA warehouse/distribution center in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, which was partially hit by a strike on March 13, 2024, amid continuing battles between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
UN workers are pictured at a UNRWA warehouse/distribution center in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, which was partially hit by a strike on March 13, 2024, amid continuing battles between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Backs UNRWA with $40 Million for Gaza

UN workers are pictured at a UNRWA warehouse/distribution center in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, which was partially hit by a strike on March 13, 2024, amid continuing battles between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
UN workers are pictured at a UNRWA warehouse/distribution center in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, which was partially hit by a strike on March 13, 2024, amid continuing battles between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) signed on Wednesday a memorandum of financial support worth $40 million with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to aid UNRWA's emergency appeal in the Gaza Strip.

The donation comes as UNRWA faces a severe funding crunch after the United States and Britain paused support following Israel's accusations that a dozen of its 13,000 staff in Gaza took part in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on the country.

The memorandum was signed by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and KSrelief Supervisor General, and Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner General.

Under the memorandum, support will be provided to ensure the food security of 250,638 individuals from the most vulnerable groups in Gaza, while 200,190 individuals will benefit from shelter and non-food items.

This initiative is part of the ongoing support extended by Saudi Arabia to the Palestinian people, particularly during times of crisis and hardship.



Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
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Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, Stresses Saudi Support to Syria’s Revival

This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)
This handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency SANA on January 24, 2025, shows Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) welcoming Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah in Damascus. (SANA / AFP)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reiterated on Friday the Kingdom’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Prince Faisal had arrived in Damascus on Friday where he held talks with its de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Speaking at a press conference with Sharaa, he stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Syrian people.

He expressed his delight at visiting Damascus, stating that Saudi Arabia will back Syria’s security, stability and revival.

Prince Faisal and Sharaa discussed means to support Syria’s security and territorial integrity.  

They tackled efforts to back it on the political, economic and humanitarian levels, underscoring the need to lift sanctions on the country.

“We will continue to work with our brothers in Syria until we reach a final lifting of the sanctions imposed on their country,” Prince Faisal said.

He added that Saudi Arabia has been facilitating dialogue with the US and the EU to push for sanctions relief.

The FM and Sharaa stressed the need to offer Syria all forms of support during its period of transition in order for it to reclaim stability throughout its territories.

Prince Faisal hailed the new Syrian authorities on their openness to holding dialogue with all parties, saying he was confident the people will successfully maneuver this phase and achieve a prosperous and stable future.

He also met with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shibani, who said Saudi Arabia has offered Syria a lot of support and has constantly stood by its people.

Prince Faisal’s visit “demonstrates this support,” he stated.

Moreover, he said consultations with Saudi Arabia are ongoing on “all levels. There are no reservations or obstacles. Our cooperation will be an important step towards building a better future for the region.”

Syria needs the support of its Arab brothers and is opening a new chapter of cooperation with them as it aspires to be a part of the joint Arab project, he stressed.

He echoed calls for sanctions relief, saying they were a hurdle to stability.

Syria is determined to open a new chapter that focuses on reconstruction, development and investment, he went on to say.