The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Al-Budaiwi, has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and its objectives aimed at benefiting the Palestinian people.
This announcement came during a meeting between Al-Budaiwi and UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini at the GCC’s mission to the United Nations, coinciding with Al-Budaiwi’s participation in the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
Lazzarini expressed profound appreciation for the substantial efforts and contributions from GCC countries in assisting the agency amid the escalating challenges facing the Palestinian populace.
He highlighted that these contributions are essential for enabling UNRWA to continue delivering vital health and relief services to Palestinian refugees.
Founded in 1949, UNRWA provides a range of services to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, focusing on education and healthcare.
In the besieged Gaza Strip, where UNRWA is considered the backbone of humanitarian response, at least 222 agency staff members have been killed, and two-thirds of its facilities have been damaged or destroyed.
The ongoing support from the GCC underscores a regional commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs of Palestinians and highlights the critical role of international agencies in providing essential services during times of crisis.
