Cairo: The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have emphasized the crucial role of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in protecting the rights and well-being of Palestinian refugees.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the ministers issued a joint statement highlighting UNRWA's unique mandate, which has been entrusted to it by the international community for decades. The agency provides essential services such as protection, education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees, as outlined in UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (1949).

The statement welcomed the UN General Assembly's recent decision to renew UNRWA's mandate for another three years, indicating international confidence in the agency's role. The ministers also condemned the recent incursion into the UNRWA headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem by Israeli forces, labeling it a violation of international law and UN premises' inviolability. This act contradicts the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice dated October 22, 2025, which obligates Israel, as an occupying power, to support UNRWA's operations.

In light of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the ministers stressed UNRWA's essential role in distributing humanitarian aid, ensuring that food, relief items, and basic necessities are fairly and efficiently delivered. UNRWA's schools and health facilities continue to provide vital services to refugee communities in Gaza, aligning with US President Trump's Plan and enabling Palestinians to stay on their land.

The ministers underscored that UNRWA's capabilities are unmatched in terms of infrastructure, expertise, and field presence necessary to meet Palestinian refugees' needs. Any reduction in UNRWA's capacity could have serious humanitarian, social, and political impacts across the region, they warned.

They urged the international community to ensure sustainable funding for UNRWA and to provide the agency with the necessary political and operational freedom to continue its crucial work. Supporting UNRWA is essential for maintaining stability, preserving dignity, and upholding the rights of Palestinian refugees until a just resolution to their situation is achieved, as per international law and relevant UN resolutions, including UN General Assembly resolution no. 194.