Saudi Arabia says UNRWA remains irreplaceable lifeline for Palestinian refugees

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), describing the agency as an irreplaceable lifeline that provides education, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees.The Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, made the remarks while chairing the UN General Assembly’s Pledging Conference for UNRWA on Tuesday.Al-Wasil said Saudi Arabia remains one of the agency’s largest donors, reflecting its firm belief in UNRWA’s vital role in alleviating the suffering of Palestinian refugees.He reiterated the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to supporting both the agency and the Palestinian people.He warned that efforts to undermine UNRWA are part of attempts to eliminate the Palestinian refugee issue outside the framework of international law, stressing that the agency’s financial crisis threatens its ability to continue delivering essential services.Al-Wasil called on the international community to take urgent action to bridge UNRWA’s funding gap and ensure the continuity of its humanitarian operations.He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s financial contributions to development and humanitarian projects implemented through UNRWA, saying they strengthen the agency’s capacity to respond to the growing needs of Palestinian refugees and reflect the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes, particularly the Palestinian cause.RIYADH — Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), describing the agency as an irreplaceable lifeline that provides education, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees.The Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, made the remarks while chairing the UN General Assembly’s Pledging Conference for UNRWA on Tuesday.Al-Wasil said Saudi Arabia remains one of the agency’s largest donors, reflecting its firm belief in UNRWA’s vital role in alleviating the suffering of Palestinian refugees.He reiterated the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to supporting both the agency and the Palestinian people.He warned that efforts to undermine UNRWA are part of attempts to eliminate the Palestinian refugee issue outside the framework of international law, stressing that the agency’s financial crisis threatens its ability to continue delivering essential services.Al-Wasil called on the international community to take urgent action to bridge UNRWA’s funding gap and ensure the continuity of its humanitarian operations.He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s financial contributions to development and humanitarian projects implemented through UNRWA, saying they strengthen the agency’s capacity to respond to the growing needs of Palestinian refugees and reflect the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes, particularly the Palestinian cause.