Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries reaffirmed strong support for UNRWA on Friday. They urged sustained international funding and unhindered operations amid Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
The joint statement by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the UAE highlighted UNRWA’s vital role in protecting millions of Palestinian refugees. They welcomed the UN General Assembly’s recent decision to renew the agency’s mandate for three more years.
Read more: UN calls on Israel to allow Gaza humanitarian aid
The ministers strongly condemned the Israeli raid on UNRWA headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah, calling it a flagrant violation of international law. They said the attack contravened the International Court of Justice advisory opinion obligating Israel to facilitate, not hinder, UNRWA operations.
Amid the escalating crisis, the ministers emphasized UNRWA’s essential work in providing food, relief items, education, and healthcare to Palestinians. They warned that no other organization has the infrastructure or expertise to replace the agency, and weakening it could trigger severe humanitarian and political consequences.
Read more: Palestinians ‘face another layer of misery’ as storm batters Gaza: UN
The statement urged the international community to ensure predictable funding and safeguard UNRWA’s operations across all mandate areas. The ministers stressed that supporting the agency remains critical for regional stability and protecting Palestinian refugee rights until a just, lasting solution is achieved.