Amman: Director General of Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA), Rafiq Khirfan, affirmed UNRWA has "proven its ability to operate and respond" under the most difficult circumstances, remaining a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees who depend on its services in the education, health, relief, and social services fields.
According to Jordan News Agency, the remarks came during the UNRWA Advisory Commission (AdCom) meeting, hosted by Jordan in Amman, with the participation of representatives of donor countries, AdCom members, and international partners. Khirfan expressed the Jordanian government's appreciation for the delegations' participation and their continued commitment to supporting Palestinian refugees and assisting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), enabling it to continue fulfilling its humanitarian mission.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Arab countries hosting Palestinian refugees and the Arab League, Khirfan urged continued political and financial support for the Agency amid the region's exceptional circumstances. He noted the agency is not merely a service provider, but rather embodies the international community's ongoing commitment to the Palestinian refugee issue until a just and lasting solution is reached, in accordance with international law.
He commended the efforts of UNRWA's management and staff across its various areas of operation, particularly in the Gaza Strip, praising their provision of humanitarian and relief services under extremely difficult circumstances. Additionally, he expressed his appreciation to donor countries and organizations for their support and contributions, which enable the agency to fulfill its UN mandate and continue providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees.
Khirfan noted the meeting was being held amid highly complex regional conditions of escalating conflicts and military tensions, which led to widespread humanitarian, security, and economic repercussions. As for the catastrophic effects of the recent war on the Gaza Strip, he said this situation caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction of infrastructure and basic necessities, exacerbating the suffering of Palestinian refugees and increasing their humanitarian needs to unprecedented levels.
He said the Arab host countries affirm UNRWA's role is "key" to supporting regional stability and enhancing capacity of host countries to counter growing economic and social challenges, as the agency is facing escalating financial and operational challenges that threaten its capacity to continue performing its duties effectively. On behalf of the Arab host countries and the Arab League, Khirfan welcomed the Acting Commissioner-General of UNRWA, wishing him success in leading the agency and continuing its noble humanitarian mission of serving Palestinian refugees.
He also expressed his appreciation to the former Commissioner-General for his efforts and contributions during his tenure, amidst complex challenges and increasing responsibilities. In this context, Khirfan reviewed the Kingdom's efforts, under His Majesty King Abdullah II's leadership, to support UNRWA and mobilize international support for its continued operation. These Jordanian efforts, he noted, have included international conferences and meetings organized by the Kingdom in cooperation with its partners from sister Arab states and friendly nations, which have contributed to maintaining the agency's continuity.
He said these steps enabled the agency to fulfill its UN mandate until a just and comprehensive solution is reached for the Palestinian refugee issue, based on Resolution 194 of 1948.