(MENAFN) Last night, during its tenth emergency special session, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution backing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which has faced attacks from Israel questioning its existence and mandate. The resolution, sponsored by Jordan and several other member states, received broad support from 159 countries, with 9 voting against and 11 abstaining. The Assembly reaffirmed its full backing for UNRWA's mandate in all its operational areas, including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the occupied Palestinian territories.

The resolution condemned the Israeli Knesset's legislation passed on October 28, 2024, urging the Israeli government to honor its international obligations, respect the Agency’s privileges and immunities, and ensure the rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. This includes providing essential services to the civilian population in need. The Assembly warned against any efforts to dismantle or restrict UNRWA’s operations, stressing that halting its work would have severe humanitarian repercussions for the millions of Palestinian refugees who rely on its services, with broader consequences for the region. Furthermore, the Assembly emphasized the need to compensate UNRWA for any damage, destruction, or losses it has incurred in the occupied Palestinian territories, urging the UN Secretary-General to make the necessary assessments. Member states were also called upon to fund and support UNRWA's ongoing operations.

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