Ayman Al Safadi, Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs, emphasized the immediate need for the international community to provide robust support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The agency, he highlighted, plays a vital role for Palestinian refugees and serves as a lifeline for over two million Palestinians facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
During his meeting with UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, Al Safadi underscored that no other entity could fulfill the crucial role that the agency plays in Gaza.
He warned that any reduction in financial support to UNRWA would lead to increased suffering for the people of Gaza, who already face mass starvation due to Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Al Safadi and Lazzarini discussed the challenges confronting the agency, including allegations against 12 of its employees in Gaza.
Lazzarini assured that the agency had initiated an immediate investigation into the accusations, resulting in the termination of contracts for the accused employees, as stated by the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Jordanian Foreign Minister called on countries that had suspended their aid to UNRWA to reconsider their decision, emphasizing the critical role the agency plays in alleviating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The plea for international support comes at a time when swift action is essential to prevent further deterioration of conditions for Palestinian refugees.