AMMAN — Director-General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs and Vice-Chair of UNRWA Rafiq Khirfan has reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering support for the agency, highlighting sustained political, humanitarian, and diplomatic efforts to ensure its continued operation.

 

Speaking at the opening session of the UNRWA Advisory Commission meetings on Wednesday, attended by Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and representatives from host and donor countries, Khirfan stated that Jordan has been working closely with the agency to deliver aid to Gaza by air and land since the beginning of the Israeli aggression. He added that the Kingdom has received large numbers of wounded individuals, especially children, and has deployed medical teams along with a fully equipped field hospital.

 

Khirfan cited the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, which have driven a wide-ranging diplomatic campaign to rally international support and reject any political conditions attached to UNRWA funding. He underlined that Jordan’s backing for the agency is not short-term, but reflects a longstanding commitment to the Palestinian cause and solidarity with refugees.

 

“UNRWA is not merely a humanitarian organisation,” he said. “It represents the international community’s will to fulfil its historical and moral responsibilities towards a people still under occupation.”

 

He stressed that safeguarding UNRWA is essential to protecting the rights of more than six million Palestinian refugees, ensuring their access to humanitarian assistance, healthcare, and education. Referring to UN General Assembly Resolution 194, he said international support for the agency stands as a testament to the global community’s obligation to uphold refugee rights until a fair and comprehensive resolution is achieved.

 

Khirfan also expressed gratitude to donor nations and organisations for their continued support and voiced hope that the commission’s recommendations would bolster the agency’s capacity to carry out its mandate amid increasing obstacles.

 

He extended condolences to the families of Palestinians killed in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as to UNRWA and the families of its employees who lost their lives during the recent Israeli offensive. He warned that growing political pressure, including recent measures taken by the Israeli Knesset to restrict the agency’s work, and an acute financial crisis now pose a serious threat to its ability to operate.

 

“These are unprecedented challenges,” he said. “They demand an immediate and united international response to safeguard the agency’s essential services and to uphold the dignity and rights of Palestinian refugees until their just cause is resolved.”