AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi on Wednesday reiterated the need to mobilise international support, both political and financial, for UNRWA to enable it to continue its “vital work in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees.”

 

Speaking at the opening of the UNRWA Advisory Commission meeting, attended by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, Safadi stressed the central role the agency plays in delivering basic services to Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza, which is facing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe as a result of Israeli aggression, according to a foreign ministry statement.

 

He said, “No one can carry out the role UNRWA plays in Gaza” in responding to the humanitarian emergency.

 

Safadi also reaffirmed Jordan’s rejection and condemnation of Israeli Knesset draft resolutions targeting UNRWA’s presence, immunities, and facilities in the occupied Palestinian territories, describing them as a “blatant” violation of international law that deprives Palestinians of vital rights and services guaranteed by the international community.

 

He warned that Israel’s continued targeting of UNRWA forms part of attempts to resolve the refugee issue outside the framework of international law, stressing that solutions must uphold refugees’ rights to return and compensation under UN resolutions.

 

The UNRWA Advisory Commission convenes twice annually to discuss matters affecting the agency and to advise and assist the Commissioner-General.

 

Brazil currently chairs the commission’s session.