Reaffirming its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia presented its annual contribution of US$2 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The check was presented by His Highness Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to the Acting Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Mr. Christian Saunders.
Vital support at a critical time
This annual support comes at a time when UNRWA is facing unprecedented financial challenges that threaten its ability to continue providing vital services to millions of Palestinian refugees. This contribution is all the more crucial given the dire humanitarian conditions faced by Palestinians, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, where the agency's services are a lifeline for the population. Ambassador Prince Mansour bin Khalid affirmed the Kingdom's commitment, under the guidance of its wise leadership, to supporting the Palestinian cause and the brotherly Palestinian people, and to enabling the agency to fulfill its humanitarian and social obligations and responsibilities towards the refugees.
Historical background and UNRWA's pivotal role
UNRWA was established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 1949 and began operations in 1950. Its mandate is to provide assistance and protection to some 5.9 million registered Palestine refugees in its five fields of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Its services, which include basic education, healthcare, relief and social services, infrastructure, and camp improvement, are essential to preserving the dignity of refugees and providing a better future for generations to come.
The importance and impact of Saudi support
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered one of the most prominent and longstanding supporters of UNRWA and the Palestinian people in general. Saudi support has not been limited to financial assistance, but has extended to political and diplomatic support in all international forums. The continuation of this support sends a strong message to the international community about the necessity of working together to ensure the continued operation of the agency, for which there is currently no alternative. This funding also contributes directly to the stability of the region by providing essential services that prevent the exacerbation of humanitarian crises. For his part, Mr. Christian Saunders expressed his deep gratitude to the Kingdom for its continuous and unwavering support, which enables UNRWA to implement its various programs to serve and provide relief to Palestinian refugees and alleviate their suffering.
