New York – Prime Minister’s Office - Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr. Mohammad Mustafa stressed the pivotal role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), especially amid the ongoing crimes of genocide in Gaza and in the post-war recovery efforts. He reiterated that “we cannot allow Israel to destroy this long-standing international investment in human dignity and peace.”

The Prime Minister added, "UNRWA's role in addressing the Palestinian refugee crisis is more crucial now than ever. Since the Nakba in 1948, UNRWA has been a lifeblood for Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the occupied Palestinian territories. Today, especially in Gaza, UNRWA is more than just a service provider—it is a safe haven, a lifeline between life and death for our people in the Strip."

These remarks were made during his speech at the Ministerial Meeting in support of UNRWA, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Prime Minister pointed out that nearly two million displaced people in Gaza are seeking refuge under the flag of the United Nations, particularly in UNRWA schools. However, Israel—the occupying power—has mercilessly targeted these shelters, killing civilians and humanitarian workers and turning schools into death zones.

Mustafa underscored that Israel’s attacks on UNRWA, including targeting its buildings in Gaza, obstructing its operations, attacking its compound in occupied East Jerusalem, and attempts to evict it from the city, along with false accusations against the agency, are all part of a wider systematic campaign aimed at dismantling UNRWA and erasing the refugee issue and their right to return.

He called for intensified efforts to support UNRWA, including the international community’s increased financial contributions to meet the agency's growing needs, support its relief efforts, and ensure it has the resources necessary to fulfill its mandate until a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the question of Palestine is reached.

Mustafa expressed his gratitude to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Kingdom of Sweden for their leadership and co-chairing the gathering. He also extended appreciation and gratitude to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini for their steadfast defense of UNRWA amidst the intense Israeli attacks against the agency, its staff, and Palestinian refugees. Mustafa further thanked the refugee-hosting countries, particularly Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, as well as to all donor countries and organizations, for their continued support of UNRWA, especially during these difficult times.