AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday held a telephone call with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini to discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the critical role of the agency in supporting Palestinian refugees.

 

During the call, Safadi underlined UNRWA’s “indispensable” work in Gaza, where communities continue to face severe hardship due to widespread destruction caused by Israeli aggression and persistent restrictions preventing adequate humanitarian aid from reaching those in need, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

 

He also condemned Israel’s continued interference with UN operations, particularly targeting UNRWA, which hampers the delivery of vital services.

 

Both officials highlighted the significance of the UN General Assembly’s endorsement of the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations as an occupying force, including ensuring unhindered access for UN and international aid programmes, including UNRWA’s operations, and supporting the recent UNGA resolution extending the mandate of UNRWA for an additional three years.

 

Safadi called for strengthened regional and international efforts to back UNRWA, stressing that the agency has an irreplaceable role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees across its five fields of operation.

 

The minister also reiterated Jordan’s condemnation of the Israeli raid on UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, describing the act as a blatant violation of international law and the inviolability of UN premises.