Ministerial Meeting in support of UNRWA

Dear colleagues, first of all, thank you all for being here and allow me also to welcome on behalf of all of us, His Excellency, the Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly as well, I think is with us today, and to thank you all for attending this extremely important meeting. Before we begin, please allow me to call on all of us for a moment of silence in memory of 399 UNRWA workers who lost their lives while trying to preserve the lives of Gazans. Thank you. Your Excellencies, dear colleagues, first of all, I'm grateful to Brazil and Spain for sponsoring this event. Again, grateful for the SG for his generous presence with us today amidst a very, very difficult program, as we all know. My friends, again, we meet to speak for UNRWA. Again, we meet in conditions of misery in Gaza while UNRWA is not given the tools it needs to do its job. And what is UNRWA's job? UNRWA's job is to provide starving children with food, is to provide the ill with medication, is to provide hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees with education. And yet, UNRWA is suffering a tremendous shortage in funding that is rendering it incapable of performing its noble duties. Colleagues, let's say things as they are. Somehow, we allowed Israel to deprive Palestinians in Gaza from their right to food, to medication, to shelter, to education. We shall not allow it. We cannot allow it to deny them. the one international agency that can really respond to their needs and fulfill those needs. That is why it is imperative that we support UNRWA. And it's imperative that we salute UNRWA and recognize all its workers for putting their lives on the line to protect the lives of Palestinians. The campaign against UNRWA continues. Despite the many reforms it has introduced, UNRWA is still the target of political assassination. And if we allow for UNRWA to be dismantled, we are allowing for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza, for 2 million people in Gaza, to go hungry, to go cold, and to lose the ability to offer education and that means offer a future to their children. UNRWA operates in Gaza, but it also operates in the West Bank. It operates in Syria, it operates in Lebanon, and it operates in Jordan, the largest host country to Palestinian refugees. The services it offers are essential. Nobody can replace UNRWA. That is the fact that we must recognize. What UNRWA does is irreplaceable. The agency is indispensable. I urge all of us to continue to support UNRWA. Another thing, UNRWA was created by the UN General Assembly. It has a mandate. We should not allow for that mandate to change, because if we open that door, we will not know how to close it, and we will fall into the trap of those who want to liquidate UNRWA. The mandate should be respected. It's a mandate by the majority of the international community. UNRWA must be enabled to implement it, and we must not allow for any change of that mandate. And we will not allow for any of the responsibilities of UNRWA to be transferred to the host countries, because then, eventually, that will be the first step in liquidating UNRWA. UNRWA should continue to operate on its mandate. It should continue to shoulder all the responsibilities that we, the international community, have entrusted it with. The host countries are already doing enough. They cannot be asked to do more. That is another important point that I'd like to make. Supporting UNRWA is a duty. It's a moral obligation. It's a humanitarian commitment, because by supporting UNRWA, We're supporting Palestinian kids who are starving. We're supporting Palestinian women who do not have access to shelter, to sanitation. We're supporting Palestinian patients who otherwise will not have access to proper medication. Please, we must not let UNRWA down. We let the Palestinian people down for so long. We allowed for conditions that denied them their rights to freedom, to dignity. We cannot deny them the one agency that can help them until conditions change, until we all come together and make sure that UNRWA is no longer needed. And UNRWA will no longer be needed only when a Palestinian state emerges, full sovereignty, independent, that can address the needs of its people in the context of the two-state solution. So let our meeting today be another call for standing by the side of the Palestinian people, by standing by UNRWA, by standing by justice, and by doing that which is right. So many wrongs are around us we cannot change. This is one wrong we can prevent. We cannot allow UNRWA to be dismantled. Let's support UNRWA politically, financially, and let's demand that the workers of UNRWA are protected. Let's not allow for one more UNRWA or any other UN personnel for that matter to be killed because international law is not respected, because international humanitarian law is ignored. Thank you so much. His Excellency, the Foreign Minister of Spain, please, the floor is yours.

Thank you very much, Aymen. Dear colleagues, Spain co-host this high-level meeting with Jordan and Brazil. to ask you to reaffirm your political and financial support to UNRWA. The work carried out by UNRWA remains essential and indispensable, irreplaceable. We are all aware of the complex and challenging circumstances that nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees are facing every day in the region. In Gaza, we are witnessing a humanitarian crisis of growing urgency as the delivery of humanitarian assistance is highly insufficient. And in the West Bank, violence is rapidly escalating, and we are witnessing the humanitarian space shrinking day by day. And this is unacceptable. The progressive exclusion of humanitarian actors is creating a very dangerous vacuum. It's aggravating the suffering and despair of millions of Palestinian refugees that desperately need humanitarian assistance for their basic survival. And the international community, us together here in the General Assembly, we have to call for the restoration of respect to United Nations and UNRWA as an agency mandated for the General Assembly, as well as firmly stand by the agency at a time in which its existence and work is being seriously challenged and its facilities on the ground are being destroyed and being occupied, including in East Jerusalem. Spain has condemned those aggressions against UNRWA facilities by Israeli security forces. We cannot tolerate any attack against UNRWA. Once again, there is no alternative for UNRWA. Their work is crucial to assist Palestinian refugees and to ensure regional stability. We have to call for the respect of international humanitarian law and the humanitarian principles, as we stated last October by the International Court of Justice, to protect the operating space of UNRWA that is under severe pressure and attack. Spain supports and will continue to support UNRWA, both politically and now it's crucial, also financially. We defend its replaceable role in Palestine and in the region, and we also back its role in the post-conflict phase in the reconstruction of Gaza. We have committed to UNRWA more than 85 million euros in the last three years. We are among the leading donors, last year we committed 25 million, And this year, we are going to maintain our support, and we have already disbursed 18 million euros. We call on other donors to provide the financial support necessary for UNRWA to continue fulfilling its mandate. The political backing is as important as the financial one, and now the financial is crucial. Dear colleagues, Spain reaffirms its strong commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East in accordance with international law and the United Nations resolutions. This just and lasting peace that will include a solution for the question of Palestine refugees will only be reached through the effective implementation of the two-state solution. We must return to this sole credible political pathway, and in this path We need UNRWA. We need UNRWA to continue carrying out its work until the Palestinian Authority is ready to return to Gaza, assume all government responsibility, and govern over a unified Palestine. And until then, by supporting UNRWA, we are all contributing to preserving the dignity of the Palestinian people and very specifically the Palestinian refugees. We continue doing and supporting UNRWA to promote regional stability and ensuring the viability of the two-state solution. And in doing so, we are also upholding international law, the United Nations system, and multilateralism. Spain will remain a committed partner. And of course, you can count on us on all these endeavors.

Thank you, Jose. And now allow me to give the floor to my other co-sponsor, Foreign Minister of Brazil, please. The floor is yours.

Excellency Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, dear colleagues and co-hosts, Minister Safadi and Minister Al-Badri, ladies and gentlemen. As we approach the first anniversary of the announcement of the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, the humanitarian situation in the Strip remains catastrophic. Two million people remain trapped in dire conditions, facing displacement, inadequate shelter, limited access to essential services, and persistent insecurity. Some of the dynamics we witnessed in Gaza in the past three years are being replicated in the West Bank, driven by Israeli policies that have led to the forced displacement of Palestinians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The expansion of settlements has accelerated, and settler extreme violence terrorizes Palestinians and continues unchecked. The international community must not tolerate the normalization of an occupation that led to a systematic and widespread violation of human and humanitarian rights. Ladies and gentlemen, we also remain deeply concerned by the measures taken by Israel against UNRWA. Since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, attacks against the Agency, its personnel, premises, and operations have been relentless. These actions are part of a persistent effort to undermine the Agency's legitimacy through disinformation campaigns, defamatory narratives, and illegal intimidation. In response, Brazil proposed during its recent concluded presidency of the Advisory Committee of UNRWA the establishment of a working group on this information. We are equally concerned by initiatives aimed at excluding UNRWA from the humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Such actions run counter to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on October 2025. As reaffirmed by the Court, Israel has the obligation to facilitate humanitarian assistance in the occupied Palestinian territory by the United States and its agencies, including UNRWA. We strongly condemn the closure, occupation, and destruction of UNRWA premises in East Jerusalem. We further condemn measures intended to obstruct the agency's operations and dismantle its presence in the city, including plans to build military structures on the site of the main UNRWA compound in Sheikh Jarrah. Such actions constitute clear violations of international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. Ladies and gentlemen, we must be clear about the nature of the crisis the Agency is facing. Its source is political. The refugee issue has been addressed in countless UN decisions, beginning with the General Assembly Resolution 194 in 1948. It was also included in the Oslo Accords. These instruments provide a political horizon for a just and lasting solution to the Palestinians predicated on an independent state of Palestine. Until a just and permanent settlement of the plight of Palestine refugees is achieved, UNRWA will remain indispensable and irreplaceable. Adequate and predictable funding is also essential for the agency to continue fulfilling its mandate. We must work toward the financing model that provides adequate, sustainable, and predictable sources, enabling UNRWA to plan and deliver its services without the constant threat of collapse. Brazil remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of Palestinian refugees and safeguarding UNRWA as an essential component of the architecture for peace in the Middle East. I thank you.

Thank you, sir. And now I give the floor to His Excellency, the Secretary-General.

Excellencies, I thank Brazil, Jordan, and Spain for co-chairing this ministerial meeting. I stress once more my abiding support for Palestine refugees and the vital mandate given to UNRWA. I commend those Member States that have been steadfast in backing the Agency's work. Excellencies, Palestinian refugees face acute and persistent perils across this turbulent region. In Gaza, the resumption of assistance since the ceasefire was announced last October has brought some relief, but conditions remain intolerable. Continued Israeli attacks have killed an average of four people per day, a quarter of them children. International law, including international humanitarian law, is brazenly violated. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, and the level of human suffering is still off the charts. Food is scarce, shelter is in short supply, rodents are rampant. In the occupied West Bank, Record levels of settler attacks and relentless efforts to expand settlements are pushing Palestinian communities to the breaking point. Such actions are unlawful and unjust, and pose an existential threat to the only way forward: the two-state solution. With two independent, sovereign, democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, within secure and recognized borders on the basis of the pre-1967 lines, with Jerusalem as capital of both states, in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and previous agreements. Lebanon faces enormous challenges in the wake of destructive air strikes, extensive Israeli ground operations, and massive displacement, including of Palestinian refugees. In Syria, Palestine refugees are slowly trying to rebuild their lives and communities after 13 years of conflict and destruction. And Jordan, host to millions of Palestine refugees, is working to ensure their well-being amid significant regional upheaval. Excellencies, In this volatile context, UNRWA remains a critical stabilizing presence. For many Palestinian refugees, it's not just a lifeline in times of crisis. It's the nurse who vaccinated them in childhood or changed the dressing on their wounds. The doctor who administers treatment when they are sick or provides expert care during the birth of a child. The teacher who gave them the knowledge, skills and hope to build a better future. The sanitation workers who help keep their community clean. the engineers who repair local infrastructure, pipes and water wells, and the clerks who record births, marriages and deaths, preserving cherished family histories and rites. Across decades, in highly challenging environments, UNRWA has provided essential public services and prepared Palestine refugees for a more peaceful and dignified future. But its mandate and work are in jeopardy. For years now, UNRWA has been forced to operate under extraordinary pressure. I have repeatedly condemned, in the strongest terms, the appalling attacks by Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups against Israel on 7 October 2023. Since then, UNRWA's personnel in Gaza have endured terrible loss and hardship. Nearly 400 members of its workforce have been killed. Hundreds of its premises remain inaccessible, severely damaged, or utterly destroyed. In occupied East Jerusalem, we have seen schools and health centres forcibly closed, electricity and water supplies cut, UNRWA headquarters unlawfully entered and bulldozed, and its oldest vocational facility, the Qalandia Training Centre, unlawfully entered and held by Israeli authorities, including security forces. These actions are wholly unacceptable and inconsistent with Israel's obligations under international law, including the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. Through it all, a ceaseless political campaign has tried to manipulate public perceptions, undermine UNRWA's ability to operate, and deny the rights of Palestine refugees. The Agency is excluded from coordination meetings. Visas for its personnel are no longer granted by Israel. Its employees are subjected to intimidation. It also faces a severe financial crisis, with a cash shortfall of $100 million. This deficit puts its operations at risk and threatens the welfare of millions of Palestinian refugees. UNRWA is making every effort to overcome these constraints. And Acting Commissioner-General Saunders has my full support as he guides the Agency through this challenging period. Excellencies, the General Assembly renewed UNRWA's mandate in December for three years. But its capacity to act is seriously imperiled, the status quo is untenable, and regional stability is at stake. And Member States must take immediate action. I am counting on your unwavering political and financial support. to protect UNRWA's mandate, to protect Palestine refugees and safeguard their rights, and to provide the resources and operational space required to sustain the agency's lifesaving work. Together, we can deliver for Palestine refugees and open a pathway to peace. Thank you.

Thank you, Your Excellency. You'll be staying with us, or? Thank you so much. And now I might give the floor to the President of the General Assembly. The floor is yours, sir.

Thank you, Deputy Prime Minister Safadi. Honorable ministers, Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to join you at this ministerial meeting on UNRWA. Allow me to recognize the organizers. Brazil, Jordan and Spain for bringing Member States together around the Agency's work. Let us recall that the General Assembly established UNRWA through Resolution 302 in 1949 to carry out direct relief and works programmes for Palestinian refugees. It began operations on May 1, 1950. Today, Nearly 6 million registered Palestine refugees fall under UNRWA's mandate across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Its work includes critical primary health care, support for women, girls, and communities, and education for more than half a million children across over 700 schools. All the while, it bears the weight of growing needs across a region in turmoil, its capacity strained further by insufficient and unpredictable resources. Excellencies, we must do more. This must first and foremost include support for a political solution. The humanitarian crisis ultimately stems from a political conflict. I invite Member States to build on last year's High-Level International Conference on the Two-State Solution and the New York Declaration. The General Assembly has expressed a broad commitment to creating a credible political pathway towards two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. We must translate this commitment into action, including through the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803 and all relevant UN resolutions. Second, humanitarian access is non-negotiable. It is required under international humanitarian law, and it is essential to respect international humanitarian law to preserve human life and dignity. In Gaza alone, UNRWA provides critical health care and learning services to hundreds of thousands of people. Without UNRWA, these services and the people who depend upon them would be placed at even greater risk, which is not imaginable. Yet the conditions in which the agency has been asked to operate remains dangerous. We have just heard our Secretary-General on this matter in particular. UNRWA personnel have paid a very high price. The agency has recorded a staggering 393 colleagues killed in Gaza since the beginning of the war. These were colleagues serving communities in extraordinary circumstances. Humanitarian workers must never pay the ultimate price simply for doing their jobs anywhere. I commend Commissioner General ad interim Christian Saunders and the entire UNRWA team for delivering against incredible odds. Third, we must give UNRWA the resources it needs to fulfill its mandate. At the pledging conference in June, the agency reported that it faces a $100 million shortfall for 2026. Already this year, UNRWA has been forced to reduce service delivery hours by 20 percent, with corresponding salary reduction for most of its Palestinian staff. Colleagues, when UNRWA's resources are cut, there are immediate consequences for the people it serves: reduced health care, education, water and sanitation services, and greater pressure on families and communities already struggling to survive. I call upon Member States to provide urgent financial support to the Agency so that it can maintain basic education, health care, water distribution and waste management services. And I commend those Member States that have stepped forward with additional support. Excellencies, we have a moral, legal, and practical responsibility to sustain the work of UNRWA. Morally, because of the millions of people it serves. Legally, because of our responsibilities under the Charter, international law, international humanitarian law, and the mandate established by this General Assembly. And practically, because of the stabilizing role UNRWA plays, not only in Palestine, but across the region. In Lebanon, in Syria and Jordan, as in Gaza and the West Bank, millions of Palestinian refugees continue to depend upon its services. So let us recommit today to ensuring that UNRWA can continue to carry out its indispensable responsibilities entrusted to it by the General Assembly. I thank you.

Thank you, sir. And I thank the Secretary General for his participation. And he's going to take his leave. He's got other meetings. Thank you. You come back. And now, may I give the floor to the Commissioner of UNRWA, please. The floor is yours.

Thank you, Minister Sefati. Minister Vieira, Minister Albarez, Secretary-General, President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I'm very grateful to Brazil, Jordan, and Spain for sponsoring this ministerial meeting on UNRWA. This is an extraordinarily challenging time for the Middle East and for the world. Palestine refugees' hardships multiply as hope for the future wanes. In Gaza, the ceasefire has brought some relief, but millions live in profound insecurity. Winter is approaching, and humanitarian partners are warning of major gaps in our response, driven by severe funding shortfalls and continued restrictions on the entry of critical supplies. Ninety-four per cent of people lack proper shelter, 90 per cent experience frequently disrupted access to clean water, and 98 per cent of households live near environmental hazards, including raw sewage, rubble and rodents. Those are not mere statistics. Behind every figure are children who live in fear, hunger and trauma. and families struggling each day to meet even their most basic needs. Alleviating some of this distress is UNRWA and our partner agencies. With more than 10,000 personnel on the ground, we continue to provide services and assist to 1.7 million people. Our work ranges from managing more than 80 emergency shelters and bringing hundreds of thousands of children back to learning, to delivering some 70,000 medical consultations each week, and providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services to well over a million people. The scale of UNRWA's operation in Gaza remains immense, and the trust of the community is steadfast. UNRWA remains an institution of considerable humanitarian and strategic value, with capabilities and expertise that are difficult to replicate today. in the humanitarian response, and tomorrow in recovery and reconstruction. To disregard these capabilities at a moment of such profound need is neither logical nor responsible. Excellencies, the situation in the West Bank is alarming and increasingly becoming untenable. The displacement of Palestinians is at levels unseen since 1967. and settler violence goes unchecked, creating intolerable conditions of life. In occupied East Jerusalem, measures taken to curb UNRWA's operations culminated in the seizure of the agency's headquarters, its vocational training centre, its schools and its health infrastructure. It is important to be aware that these actions in no way diminish the rights of Palestine refugees, nor contribute to resolving the Palestinian question. But without a meaningful response grounded in international law and the United Nations Charter, we risk irreversibly eroding the foundations for a viable Palestinian state. Excellencies, beyond the occupied Palestinian territory in Jordan, in Lebanon, and Syria, UNRWA continues to play a vital stabilizing role. But the agency faces an extraordinary financial crisis with a cash flow deficit of $100 million for 2026. Without additional support, we will be unable to sustain essential services. We are doing everything possible to stretch dwindling resources. Strict austerity and cost control measures remain in place, and service delivery hours have been reduced by 20 per cent, with corresponding salary cuts for most local staff. On the issue of neutrality, We continue to steadily implement the recommendations arising from the independent review of UNRWA's neutrality, known as the Kalona report. 41 of 50 recommendations, more than 80%, are now fully implemented, and most of the remaining recommendations are under implementation. Five will be finished before the end of this year, and a further five next year. Excellencies, our commitment to safeguarding the integrity and neutrality of our workforce and to honoring the trust placed in UNRWA by Member States is unwavering. We recognize, however, that the agency will continue to face attempts to distort facts, shape public perceptions through misinformation, and undermine our ability to serve the Palestine refugees. Our response must be neither defensive nor distracted. It must be to remain steadfast in our principles, transparent in our actions, and accountable in the discharge of our responsibilities. Let me therefore reiterate unequivocally that UNRWA's commitment to the principles and values of the United Nations Charter and to an international order grounded in international law, justice and respect for human dignity is unwavering. Excellencies, the path ahead is fraught and change is clearly necessary. UNRWA must adapt to today's multilateral funding and political environment. As across the whole of the UN, financial stability also means a slimmer UNRWA. A slimmer UNRWA does not mean a change to the mandate or an undermining of the General Assembly Resolution 3024 or the political solution. UNRWA was never intended to be the counterweight for a political solution, and a slimmer UNRWA can be more effective and no less a support to refugee rights. We are working towards the delivery of services in a more cost-effective, efficient, and data-informed manner, including by leveraging new technologies and closer cooperation with partners. We are also placing greater emphasis on livelihoods and empowering Palestinian youth. Having said this, we cannot succeed without your robust political and financial support. I would like to conclude with two appeals. The first is for you to advocate for UNRWA to be given the space to operate within the Palestinian-occupied territories in accordance with its mandate, not for the mere sake of safeguarding the agency but to bring to bear the skills, the experience, the infrastructure and the community trust that we possess. Provide the financial support we need to continue operating today and tomorrow as we modernize and find better ways to serve Palestine refugees. I thank you. Now, I'd like to briefly, if I may, just show you a video. And this video is the story of Mona. Mona is a young Palestinian girl whose experience illustrates how UNRWA's education and psychosocial support can help children navigate difficult circumstances, continue to learn, and build hope for the future. I thank you for your indulgence.

I like to go to school and play with my friends.

For children in Gaza who lost their parents, having a place to learn, play, and be with others can help bring back a sense of childhood. We try to give children like Muna a space to live their childhood again. Here, our staff give children psychosocial support to help them cope with what they've been through. These learning spaces are where they can grow and play. With your generosity, children who have lost their parents or have been separated from them can keep dreaming about their future. Help more children like Muna continue to learn and heal.

Thank you, sir. And now we begin our general debate. I have a list of 32 speakers who have asked to take the floor. So if we are to accommodate all, I would kindly ask you to stick to the 90-second limit that was agreed upon so that all of us can speak. And now I'm I'll give the floor to my colleague. You're going to moderate the first part of it, and then we'll move forward.

Okay, we'll start the list of speakers with the foreign minister of Luxembourg, the foreign minister. Mr. Xavier Bettel.

Thank you very much, Mauro. Thank you, Aiman. I think in a few minutes, the Prime Minister of Israel will speak in the big room. I think there are more ministers in this room than in the big room. That's also an effect. I want to tell to you, I know it's UNRWA, but I want to tell you, Aiman, thank you, because I know the support you give to UNRWA and UNRWA wouldn't be able to work without Jordan. That's the first thing. And we cannot let Jordan be the only one responsible and helpful for all the situation. So a few things. The first thing is I remember the difficult moments and sorry for quoting, not quoting, but mentioning Philip Lazarini. Philip is not anymore here in this room, but Philip and like Antonio's last months and years were awful. They were considered as terrorists. They were put in the corner. They were blamed. They were considered really the worst guys in the world. We should not forget that. That in fact, they wanted even the head of the one or the others and wanted in fact to all destroying the UNRWA or at least destroying these people. This is something I haven't seen. And I'm sorry to show something that I know we shouldn't do, but I don't know if you've seen this. This was on the refugee day and the Israeli foreign minister wrote a day to remember the the agencies are supposed to reduce the number of refugees, unless you are UNRWA, then somehow the numbers only goes up. And if you look the image, you see here a factory, and they put one refugee in and all the refugees out. This is not a fake. This is a tweet by the Minister of Foreign Affairs from Israel. So to tell you how the situation is, I've been in Palestine. I visited UNRWA. And Christian, and also thank you to all that we raised for the memories of these people, helping them. There is no alternative to UNRWA. I said it just before in the same room where we had a meeting also where Vladimirov was here of Board of Peace. You said it, Ayman, for the moment there is no alternative to UNRWA. There is no. As long there is no alternative, we should not speak of closing UNRWA. UNRWA was not perfect. We have to admit also and we watch in our own mirror that UNRWA was not perfect. With such a big organisation, they had also people who were not correct. And when I was in Palestine and I said that this was a problem also that in education books, for example, there was apology of a woman who was considered as a terrorist. Philip told me we will take the page out because we need to be uncritical. We need to be there and not putting on the plate to Israel to attack us. I continue to support UNWRA in the moments where even my European colleagues, a lot of them, decided not to support. where they even said, no money now, we should, we should, I continued because I knew that there was no alternative. And without UNRWA, you will have young people without education, without food, without health. That's the reality also on the, on the ground. So, I also condemn the destruction of in East Jerusalem, even of your own offices. This is an UN agency destroyed by a country and we are not even able to blame. And I don't want to teach anyone because even on European level, We are not able to take sanctions because we need unanimity on a lot of topics. And so we are doing, Spain did it, Ireland did it, Netherlands doing it, Belgium is doing it. We are trying to have national legislation because we are not able to agree. I just want to tell you that at the beginning, I wanted to be pragmatic. But at one moment, you cannot justify things. And if you don't want to open your eyes, Don't forget that people are still dying every day there. So, Christian, I want to wish you good luck. Don't give up. You have a very frustrating job, if not one of the most frustrating at the UNRWA, because it's not the people here in this room, but the people outside this room who will do everything to make your work impossible. Don't give up.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, and now I give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Palestine, Ambassador Hiyad Mansour.

Thank you, Minister. And also, I want to thank the organizers of this event. Ministers, Excellencies, all protocol observed, we thank the Secretary-General, Commissioner-General Sanders, honourable staff, host countries and donors for sustaining this indispensable lifeline for the Palestinian refugees. The assault on UNRWA and Palestinian refugee communities has reached an unprecedented level. Israeli authorities seized UNRWA's headquarters in occupied East Jerusalem, demolished most of it, and intend to establish Israeli military facilities on this UN compound. Six UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem have been forcibly closed. The Qalandia training center was seized. And the assault extends to the refugee camps themselves. In Gaza, refugee camps have suffered massive destruction. In the West Bank, Jdeyeh, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams camps have been devastated and their populations forcibly displaced. This is an assault not only on UNRWA, but on Palestine refugees as a community. part of a broader pattern of forcible displacement, destruction, and disposition that threatens to uproot Palestinians from their land. UNRWA international staff remain barred from entering the occupied Palestinian territory, and Israel continues to prevent UNRWA from directly bringing humanitarian aid and personnel into Gaza. The ICJ has spoken clearly. Israel must respect the inviolability of UN premises and facilities, not obstruct the work of the UN and UNRWA. The international community has spoken clearly. ONRWA's mandate was renewed with overwhelming support. It must now rise. We must all rise to this existential challenge, provide predictable and sufficient funding, protect ONRWA personnel and premises, demand restoration of its facilities, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and uphold international law. Palestine refugees must not be abandoned. ONRWA must be protected. funded and enabled to fulfill its mandate until a just solution to the Palestine refugee question is achieved in accordance with GA resolution 194 and I thank you very much Mr.

Chairman I think the permanent representative of Palestine and now I give the floor To the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, His Excellency Badr Abdelatty.

Your Excellency, with respect, can we postpone the delivery of the statement of Egypt now? Thank you very much.

Okay, so then we'll continue with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland.

Thank you, dear Chair and colleagues. Iceland is a regular donor of UNRWA. We have been that since the early 2000s, and we will remain fully committed to supporting UNRWA's crucial efforts in alleviating the plight of Palestinian refugees. I was, like many others, devastated when I heard the reports of people trapped under rubble when a war-damaged residential building collapsed in Gaza last week. And of course, I want to express my condolences to the families of those that lost their lives, and also my gratitude to those working to rescue the survivors. But this clearly shows, from my point of view, the scale of the work ahead of us in Gaza and the levels of assistance and aid that people are in need of. We have to ensure people have a safe place to shelter, to rest, and of course to recover. And bear in mind, there are 330,000 Families in Gaza are in need of dignified shelter, and it is up to us here to ensure they receive it. Overall, the situation, as we know, in Gaza remains absolutely unacceptable. Despite the ceasefire, humanitarian access remains restricted. That we cannot justify. And this cannot be allowed to continue. The ICJ, as mentioned, advisory opinion makes clear that UNRWA must be a part of the humanitarian effort. It should also be noted here that earlier this year, Iceland intervened in South Africa's case against Israel before that same court. Iceland has a framework agreement with UNRWA which runs until 2028, providing timely, predictable and flexible core funding. I think that is important. We have over the last years contributed over 10 million US dollars. Iceland as well, we recognize the state of Palestine in 2011. And we have since been a strong advocate for its future. We underline the two-state solution. It remains the only viable path to sustainable peace and security. And we see UNRWA playing a key role in building the foundation needed for that vision to materialize in the post-conflict and also in the reconstruction phase. across all fields of operation. So, yes, dear co-chair from Jordan, it is imperative that, in the name of humanity, that we safeguard the role of UNRWA. Thank you.

I thank Iceland for its presentation. And now I give the floor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.

Thank you, co-chairs. Since we met last year, UNRWA has come under even greater pressure. The Agency continues to face serious political and financial challenges. The seizure of UNRWA's Qalandiya Training Centre in occupied East Jerusalem is particularly alarming. It obstructs the Agency's operation and violates the inviolability of UN premises under international law. This cannot be allowed to continue. UNRWA must be able to carry out its mandate fully and effectively, because millions of Palestinian refugees depend on its assistance. Its personnel and premises must be protected, while sustained and predictable funding must be secured for the agency. Indonesia's commitment remains firm and consistent, and this year we will continue our annual contribution of US$1.2 million to UNRWA. encourage others to step up their support. Excellencies, what is needed now is full respect for UNRWA's mandate, backed by a collective commitment to sustain its work. This also means safeguarding the agency's credibility and integrity against disinformation and attempts to undermine its work. Indonesia will continue to stand with UNRWA and support the mandate entrusted to it. And thank you.

I thank the Foreign Minister of Indonesia. And now I give the floor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait.

Excellencies, at the outset, I'd like to thank Jordan, Spain, and Brazil for convening this important meeting. For the State of Kuwait, supporting UNRWA is both a humanitarian responsibility and a political commitment. to the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. For more than seven decades, UNRWA has established an unparalleled presence, expertise, and infrastructure across its fields of operations. No other organization possesses its reach, institutional knowledge, operational capacity, or the trust it has built with Palestinian refugee communities. Yet today, the agency faces unprecedented political, operational, and financial pressure. including repeated attempts to undermine its mandate and ability to operate. Our position is clear. UNRWA must not be marginalized, dismantled, or replaced. There is no substitute for the agency, and no other entity can replicate at the required scale the services and expertise it provides. Perhaps most importantly, no other entity can replicate the trust UNRWA has built with Palestinian refugees over more than seven decades, a trust forged through generations of presence, service, and shared experience. Kuwait has consistently matched its political support with financial commitments, including its annual contribution of $2 million U.S., alongside substantial additional humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. Most recently, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development provided $2.5 million U.S. to support the reconstruction of an honor was cool in Syria. Today, we call not only for their sustainable, predictable, and sufficient financing, but also for the protection of UNRWA's mandate and its ability to operate freely and effectively. Supporting UNRWA is not a substitute for a just solution to the Palestinian question. It is our collective responsibility until that just solution is achieved and the legitimate right of the Palestinian people are fully realized. I thank you.

I thank you for your declaration and now I give the floor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.

Malaysia reaffirms its unwavering support for UNRWA and its indispensable role. Across the region, the agency continues to provide essential assistance protection and services to millions of Palestine refugees. It is a lifeline that must be allowed to operate without obstruction. In this regard, Malaysia wishes to emphasise three points. Firstly, Mr. Chairman, Malaysia strongly condemns attacks against UNRWA premises and operation, including Israel forcible incursion into the and seizure of the Qalandiya Training Centre United Nations premises are inviolable, and their privileges and immunities must be fully respected at all times. Secondly, Malaysia calls on the international community, particularly on the United Nations Security Council, to take concrete action to defend the rule of law and implement the relevant United Nations resolutions pertaining to the question of Palestine. International law, the UN Charter, and the decision of the International Court of Justice must be upheld. Israel impunity must be ended. Thirdly, Malaysia has contributed around US$6.7 million to UNRWA over the past five years. We have also pledged a further US$1 million for 2016-2018. We urge Member States in a position to do so to step forward and contribute, as sustained and predictable funding remains essential to UNRWA to fulfil its mandate effectively. In closing, Malaysia calls on Member States to provide the political and financial support necessary for UNRWA until a just and durable solution to the plight of Palestinian refugees is finally achieved. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the Foreign Minister of Malaysia. And now I give the floor to the Commissioner for the Mediterranean of the European Union.

Thank you, Minister. Dear Ministers, dear Christian Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for convening us at such a critical moment. Today, 6 million Palestinian refugees depend on UNRWA. For example, this past summer in Gaza, 60,000 children, including children with disabilities, participated in learning activities organized by UNRWA and supported by the European Union. These activities help build a world where Palestinian children can create their own future, a world with hope that things can get better. UNRWA has been unwavering in its commitment to provide the future for those that need its help, and we will remain unwavering in our commitment to enable this crucial work. I'm pleased to confirm that the European Commission has now disbursed the entirety of our 82 million euro contribution to UNRWA's budget in 2026. This comes on top of an initial 18.6 million euro in humanitarian funding already provided this year across Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. We call on all parties to match this level of commitment, to disburse pledged funds without delay, and to help secure UNRWA's financial sustainability going forward. I welcome Commissioner General Saunders' commitment to improve efficiency in UNRWA operations, because this is also important. We also recognize the agency's continued effort on reform. progress on the implementation of the Colonna report, recommendations must continue, and we will keep engaging closely to ensure these reforms are sustained. Yet, even as the Agency advances on reforms, the situation on the ground is deteriorating, which all of us said this morning. In East Jerusalem, UNRWA's headquarters were demolished. The Qalandia Training Center was forcibly evacuated. These actions are unacceptable and counterproductive. It is in everyone's interest here to support UNRWA's work building stability and peace. And you have our full support. Thank you.

I thank the Commissioner for the Mediterranean of the European Union. And now I give the floor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt.

Thank you so much, dear friend, dear Minister, honorable ministers, excellencies. Allow me at the outset to thank you for convening today's meeting, which gains importance in light of the escalating Israeli attacks and aggressions against the UNRWA and the campaign to undermine its reputation, which Egypt fully condemned. In Gaza, more than 393 UNRWA personnel have been killed while carrying out their duties. We commend the sacrifices of UNRWA staff and call for international accountability in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. More than 34,000 Palestinian refugees remain displaced in what constitutes the largest displacement since 1967. Last month, Israeli forces raided the Qalandeya training center and began demolishing it. Despite these grave challenges and which we are fully condemned, the agency's services have not ceased for a single day. The Palestinian staff members have remained in the field, serving their communities, providing education, healthcare, and shelter to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. We warn that UNRWA's collapse will not be confined to a single field of operation. Its repercussions would extend to all fields, creating grave humanitarian and security consequences. Excellencies, I reaffirm Egypt's condemnation and full rejection of any arrangements aimed at ending the agency's operations in any field of operations, especially in the occupied Palestinian territory. Egypt rejects transferring the responsibility to host countries, as well as any efforts to fragment the agency's services or replace its indispensable role. In conclusion, Egypt, as Vice Chair of the Agency's Advisory Commission, calls upon Member States to provide flexible multi-year funding to advocate for lifting restrictions, to protect the facilities and the immunities, and to refuse any attempt to liquidate the Palestine refugee cause, undermine the rights of the Palestinian refugees, or displaced the Palestinian people under any pretext. I thank you.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, and I'll give the floor to the Minister of State for International Development of Ireland.

Thank you very much, Chair. Ireland is steadfast in its support of UNRWA's continued efforts to support Palestinian refugees across its fields of operation. Ireland recognise UNRWA's efforts to continue its operations and the impact of cost-saving measures on staff and services to date. During our EU Council presidency, Ireland is working to ensure that the EU's agenda maintains a strong focus on the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza and the situation in the West Bank, where unilateral actions increasingly threaten the viability of the two-state solution. With more than 73,000 killed in Gaza, including more than 390 UNRWA staff, the scale of the impact is devastating. All humanitarian workers must be protected to carry out their duties at all times. The killing of UN staff and humanitarian personnel is unconscionable. It cannot be normalised and there must be full accountability. Israel's sustained legislative and physical efforts to dismantle UNRWA, including the destruction of UN property, demonstrate an utter disregard for international law and the very institution in which we meet today. Ireland is deeply concerned by the sharply deteriorating situation in the West Bank, in particular the massive expansion of settlements and escalating settler violence, which continues in an atmosphere of impunity. Israel's actions consistently contravene international law and are part of an established pattern to create a new status quo in Palestine. would like to acknowledge the enormous progress UNRWA has made delivering on the Kholane report recommendations. The reality is that reform must continue, but we must also focus on the government of Israel's breaches of international law and the UN Charter, including the seizure and destruction of UN facilities. Ireland again calls on all parties to meet their obligations and deliver on the commitments in the peace plan. UNRWA must be facilitated in full to carry out their life-saving work in Gaza. All humanitarian workers must be protected at all times. In recent years, as UNRWA has faced challenges on every front, Ireland has taken a lead in increasing our funding. We have maintained our core funding of 20 million euro and I look forward to Ireland remaining a strong and stable partner of UNRWA. We continue to encourage all our partners here at the UN to maintain or increase your support to ensure UNRWA can continue to fulfil its mandate in these most difficult of circumstances. Thank you very much.

Thank you. The floor is now to the Netherlands.

Thank you, and I thank my good friend Aiman for the moment of silence that we had at the beginning to honor those at UNRWA who gave their lives. But if we want to honor those at UNRWA who are still risking their lives in their daily jobs, we cannot remain silent. We cannot remain silent while Israel not only destroys the premises of UNRWA in Gaza, in Jerusalem, and elsewhere that are also actively targeting staff of UNRWA.

And the Netherlands calls upon Israel to honour its obligations under international law to cease its attack on UNRWA. We commend the Commissioner and his staff.

For all they are doing and for their courage to continue their work under the circumstances they are faced with. We also commend the Commissioner for his dedication to the implementation of the Colonna Report. And in response to the call of the Secretary General of the United Nations just now to ensure that UNRWA will have sufficient funds, the Netherlands will increase its annual contribution from 11 to 19 million euros, by 8 million euros, because we know how hard the organization needs the money.

Thank you. Thank you very much. The floor is now to the United Kingdom.

Thank you for bringing us together today. I pay tribute to hundreds of UNRWA workers killed in Gaza since the war began and those serving in very tough conditions. For millions of Palestinian refugees, UNRWA is a lifeline. We must ensure it can continue its work. Almost three years after this conflict began, the humanitarian picture in Gaza and the West Bank is deeply troubling. The UN and its agencies must be able to assist civilians without interference, yet restrictions imposed by the Government of Israel are hindering the response. We reject any attempt to undermine or degrade UNRWA. Last month, alongside our partners, we condemned the unlawful seizure of UNRWA's Qalandariyah training centre and the seizure of UNRWA's installations in east Jerusalem. Israel must comply with its obligations to respect UN premises. The UK wants UNRWA to continue its vital work while working with all of us to support the reforms that are needed to help it to function effectively in today's difficult context. In June, we announced $30.7 million to support operations this year. That included $1.3 million towards implementing the Kholone report recommendations. We welcome the progress that UNRWA has made and will support efforts to secure its future. Thank you.

Thank you. The floor is to France.

Thank you very much, dear ministers, dear Commissioner General, ladies and gentlemen. I wish to reiterate France's support to UNRWA, its mandate and its agent. I want to also reaffirm our support to every humanitarian worker that is now being targeted in violation of international law. UNRWA provides essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees and civilians in Gaza. No other institution has the capacity to take over UNRWA's role, and ensuring the continuity of its role, it's a priority for the regional stability. Conversely, weakening UNRWA at a time when there is no credible alternative is deeply irresponsible. So we call on the Israeli government first to lift its restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid. We firmly condemn the demolition of the UNRWA headquarters in East Jerusalem last January, and the pressure on other UNRWA properties is equally unacceptable. The ambition set out in the New York Declaration is our ultimate goal. There must be two states, one Israeli and one Palestinian, living side by side in peace and security. But the situation on the ground threatens this perspective, in Gaza, of course, but also in the West Bank. The transition to a sovereign Palestinian state with threatened institution actually depends on UNRWA, to its thousands of Palestinians employees, particularly in Gaza. The future Palestinian institutions will need to rely on this human capital. We must ensure the continuity of UNRWA's operations. And however, as you all know, the financial situation of the agency is critical. The funding raised at the last donors' conference fell short of the pledges of support that have been made. But France will live up to its commitments, and I am pleased to announce that we will be providing a new contribution of 15 million euros to UNRWA, and we call on all our partners to join us in this effort. France has supported, of course, the reform of UNRWA and follows the recommendations of the Colonna report. So, ladies and gentlemen, for France, this United Nations General Assembly holds a particular significance as it marks the first anniversary of our recognition of the Palestinian state, which is a crucial step in our commitment to recognizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Recognition was not an end in itself, but a starting point for work. And this is precisely what President Macron, together with his counterparts from the United Kingdom, Canada and Saudi Arabia, did yesterday when gathering world leaders to renew the international momentum and build the road ahead for peace. In the current situation, the international community has a clear role to play by reaffirming its solidarity around a common principle, international law. France will continue to work alongside all partners who share our ambitions to achieve lasting peace in the region for all. Because the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish said, "On this land, there is what makes life worth living." I thank you.

Thank you. The floor is to Germany.

Thank you, Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. UNRWA is an integral component in promoting stability in the Middle East and in addressing humanitarian needs of Palestinian refugees, especially these days in Gaza. Excellencies, in about two weeks, we will commemorate the third anniversary of the appalling terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7 committed by Hamas. Our thoughts are with all the victims. But please allow me to recognize especially today the 399 member staff of UNRWA who lost their lives in Gaza. Germany calls on Israel to ensure that sufficient aid reaches civilians in Gaza. They are suffering immensely. And so are the Palestinians in the West Bank, who are subject to unacceptable restrictions and violence. UNRWA is integral to addressing this terrible situation and deserves our strong support. And I strongly condemn the unlawful entry of Israeli security forces into UNRWA's Qaluniah training center and any plan to seize the compound permanently. UN premises are protected under international law. We appreciate UNRWA's progress in implementing the Qalunah report's recommendation. It is crucial for sustaining both donor confidence and operational continuity. These reforms need to be continued with the utmost determination. Against the backdrop of progress made, Germany is announcing an additional 10 million euros for infrastructure rehabilitation and also an additional 10 million euros to support humanitarian operations of UNRWA in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. This raises Germany's financial support to UNRWA in 2026 to 97 million euros. To conclude, thank you, Christian Saunders, for guiding UNRWA through these difficult times, I might say again, with a clear vision, making UNRWA fit for the long term, for the benefit of Palestinian refugees. Thank you very much.

Thank you. The floor is to Canada.

Good afternoon. Thank you, Jordan, Brazil and Spain, and the Secretary General for your leadership. Congratulations to Acting Commissioner General Christian Saunders. Canada looks forward to working with you. The humanitarian crisis throughout Palestine is deteriorating rapidly. In Gaza, most of the population remains displaced and food insecure, without access to clean water, adequate shelter, and medical care, while military operations continue. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, settlement expansion and extremist settler violence continues to undermine the prospects of peace. In this context, UNRWA remains the backbone of the humanitarian response for Palestinian refugees and the provider of essential services across the region. There is no alternative organization, as many have said, currently capable of delivering these services at the scale required. At the same time, the toll of the conflict on humanitarian personnel has been devastating. Too many, including UNRWA staff, have been killed while serving their communities. in desperate need. Canada reiterates its call for the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers. We continue to oppose measures that infringe on UNRWA's privileges and immunities and curtail its work, including the recent seizure of the Qalandia training centre. Efforts to restrict or impede UNRWA's operations are particularly alarming at a time when the agency's role has never been more critical. UNRWA is also facing significant funding pressures and these extraordinary needs. The international community must ensure that UNRWA has the political support, operational space, and predictable funding required to fulfill its mandate. Since 2023, Canada has provided $167 million to UNRWA's core budget and to emergency appeals across Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, including support for implementing the Kelowna report recommendations. Canada welcomes UNRWA's commitment to reform and implement the report's recommendations to ensure the highest standards of neutrality and integrity. Canada will continue working with UNRWA, host countries, and partners to protect the agency's ability to deliver on its mandate, support Palestinian refugees, uphold humanitarian principles, and promote peace, stability, and dignity across the region. Thank you.

Thank you. The floor is to Norway.

And thanks to Spain, Brazil, and Jordan for arranging this meeting. Let me also start to condolence to all those who have lost their lives when they have been on job on our behalf in Gaza and in Palestine. We must continue to be very vocal every time a humanitarian worker is attacked. We cannot accept what's been happening in Gaza would be a new normal for the rest of the world. That will make the rest of the world a much more dangerous place. I would also like to thank UNRWA for really being the lifeline for millions of Palestinians. No other UN agencies are under higher pressure than UNRWA. No other UN agencies have had the same attacks against them. From the Norwegian government, we say that this is completely unacceptable and we will do what we can to step up our support, both financially and politically. We, the international community, must honour our obligation to enable UNRWA to fulfil their mandate given by the UN General Assembly. UNRWA provides stability through education, healthcare and training. The agency has fostered hope and resilience for more than 70 years. UNRWA is of course most important for the Palestinians, but it's also important for the whole region, for Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and beyond. the worst time for the Palestinian people, but without UNRWA, it had been even worse. Member States must do what we can to continue to step UNRWA and to really step up. Norway, we stand firmly behind UNRWA. And I would also like to end to say to Christian and I hope your colleagues are listening to this debate, especially those on the ground in Gaza, that we are there for them and we so much admire what they are doing. They are giving hope to the people in the world that need hope the most, and they're doing it on our behalf with a big risk for their own life. Thank you.

Thank you. We only have 10 minutes left because we will have to leave the hall for another meeting, so please be as short as possible so as many as you can speak. The floor is to Denmark.

Excellencies, colleagues, thank you to Spain, Jordan, and Brazil for bringing us together. Denmark remains a strong supporter of UNRWA, and we support the agency's continued implementation of the Colonna Report recommendations. Since 2023, Denmark has provided 94 million US dollars in support of UNRWA. As long as there's no sustainable political solution to the conflict, UNRWA remains indispensable. In Gaza, UNRWA continues to provide health care, education, water, and other basic services under extremely difficult conditions. Yet, restrictions on access and supplies continue to limit what the agency can do. This must change. Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to reach people in need, safely and at scale. Our deepest condolences to UNRWA and the families of the 393 UNRWA staff killed since 7 October 2023. Attacks and encroachment on UNRWA itself must also stop. Israel's demolition of UNRWA's headquarters and the recent unauthorized seizure of its Qalandia facility, both in East Jerusalem, are completely unacceptable. We continue to urge Israel to abide by its international obligations, to protect humanitarian workers, to ensure the protection of UN premises, and to respect international humanitarian law. Thank you.

Thank you. The floor is to Belgium.

Thank you very much. In the interest of time, let me focus on Belgium's current role as the current chair of the Advisory Commission. Belgium stands ready to facilitate any discussion on the future and sustainability of UNRWA, its mandate, and to support the agency as it adapts to a rapidly evolving environment marked by financial uncertainty, political pressure, and operational constraints. Yet any reflection on the agency's long-term sustainability must be gradual, realistic, coordinated, and avoid disruptions for Palestinian refugees. It must safeguard the continuity and sustainability of essential services and be anchored in a broader political horizon, including a viable two-state solution and a reformed Palestinian Authority. In addition, I am delighted to announce, in addition to the core funding of Belgium, that we will have an additional contribution of 2.4 million euros for UNRWA's education in emergency activities in Palestine. Thank you.

Thank you. The floor is to Turchia.

Thank you very much. The international community demonstrated strong support with 151 favorable votes in renewing the UNRWA's mandate last year in the General Assembly. However, Israel's prohibition of UNRWA and its following actions, including the demolition and unlawful entry into UNRWA premises, are a clear challenge to the international community. Israel's escalating measures affecting the agency's access, premises, and ability to operate constitute serious obstacles to the delivery of its services. Indeed, Israel seeks to undermine the institutions that underpin efforts for peace and stability in the region. Stability within the countries hosting Palestinian refugees, as well as the success of rehabilitation plans for Gaza, depend upon the effective role of UNRWA in the region. The challenges that the region confronts stem from the denial of the implementation of the two-state solution, not from UNRWA. Therefore, we must extend our tangible and actionable support to UNRWA in safeguarding the agency's role in its mandated areas in the face of any attempts to to marginalize it. This is our responsibility according to international law. We should not contribute to the dismantling of international law and order by remaining unengaged. The association of UNRWA with terrorism is unacceptable, yet it is impacting public opinions and consequently governmental actions in certain countries. We believe that a concerted public diplomacy initiative may certainly be instrumental on such governments. Turkey will continue to provide strong political, financial, and in-kind support to UNRWA. Over the past three years, we have provided $36 million in voluntary financial contributions. We have also placed 120,000 tons of flour for Gaza and continue to work on this. Yet our efforts alone cannot meet the scale of the challenge, so we call on others to share this responsibility. UNRWA's mandate and institutional capability must be preserved. Weakening the agency without resolving the underlying political issue would only deepen instability and humanitarian suffering. As Turkey, we are deeply concerned that illegal measures taken by Israel risk further destabilization in the West Bank and hinder the humanitarian response in Gaza. We call on the international community to exert the necessary pressure on Israel to comply with its obligations under international law, particularly in the advisory opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice. We stand by UNRWA and the Palestinian refugees it serves and with international efforts. Thank you.

Thank you. The floor is to Pakistan.

Thank you, Excellencies. In view of shortage of time, I'll just make four very brief points. One, with a unique mandate and operational footprint, UNRWA plays an indispensable role. It must be allowed to operate across the OPT unhindered. Two, the organization is facing a dire financial shortfall of $100 million. Funding shortfall of this critical entity must be filled. Three, accountability of the crimes committed against UNRWA staff and premises is something that is must. And four, UNRWA is inextricably tied to the unresolved question of Palestinian refugees. core final status issue under international law. The solution lies in ending Israeli occupation and return to Palestinian refugees and establishment of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders and with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital. Thank you.

Thank you. I will give the last word because we have to leave the hall afterwards to Qatar. That will be the final intervention. I'm really sorry for all of those of you that are being supportive and in the room, but you will not be able to take the floor in this occasion. So Qatar.

Thank you very much, Excellencies. The State of Qatar remain firmly committed to UNRWA and to the mandate that we established by the United Nations General Assembly. Safeguard UNRWA as part of our broad commitment to humanitarian and action that we need to be taken.

Thank you so much.

Thank you all. And again, I join my voice to Jose and apologizing for you, for those who could not speak. But I know that you would have spoken words of support, which we appreciate. We're just being asked to vacate the room because there's another event coming in. But again, I want to thank you all for your commitment. I also want to like to mention Our gratitude for Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, Norway, Luxembourg, Egypt, Iceland, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kuwait, European Union, Oman, Belgium, and Denmark for sponsoring this event as well. And I want to thank France for announcing 15 million euros of financial support to UNRWA, and Germany for also announcing 10 million euros on top of the commitments that the two countries have already made. I want to thank all countries that continue to provide financial support to UNRWA. I want to thank all of you for also supporting the mandate of UNRWA and for refusing to throw the wet towel and for continuing the fight in defense of UNRWA, which translates in defending the rights of Palestinians to live with dignity. Thank you so much.