(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar has underlined the indispensable and pivotal role of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in meeting the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.

This was emphasised in the New York Declaration issued by the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

This came in a statement delivered by Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the UN Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, before the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly during its 80th session, under agenda item 49, concerning the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Sheikh Jassim noted that UNRWA, established in 1949, continues to provide essential services and vital humanitarian assistance to more than 5mn Palestinian refugees in the State of Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

He pointed out that its responsibilities have increased significantly in light of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

He added that the efforts of Qatar, in co-operation with Egypt, Turkiye, and the US, succeeded in reaching a ceasefire agreement on Oct 13 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, aimed at ending the bloodshed and humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip.

He emphasised the crucial role of UNRWA in sustaining humanitarian operations and providing essential services during and after the war in Gaza.

He also stressed the necessity of implementing the advisory opinions and orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) related to UNRWA and Israel's obligations as the occupying power. He stated that, given the increasing political, financial, legal, and operational challenges facing UNRWA, Qatar calls for the renewal of the agency's mandate in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 302 and subsequent resolutions.

Sheikh Jassim urged all member states before the committee to provide full and unconditional political and financial support to ensure the continued operation of the agency.

He warned that any ban or obstruction of UNRWA's activities would have serious humanitarian, political, and security consequences, depriving millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring countries of the essential services it provides.

He emphasised that such measures could contribute to the liquidation of the Palestinian refugee issue and their right of return to their homeland, contrary to international law and relevant UN resolutions, particularly Resolution 194 and Security Council Resolution 237.

He reiterated Qatar's unwavering support for UNRWA, stemming from its international obligations, its commitment to multilateral action, and its firm commitment to supporting the brotherly Palestinian people.

He also expressed Qatar's pride in being the first Arab state to sign a multi-year agreement with UNRWA in 2018 and one of its largest supporters, noting that its contributions exceeded $49mn in 2024 and that it will continue its political, diplomatic, and financial support for UNRWA.

He emphasised that the agency's existence and continued operation are contingent upon ending the occupation and achieving the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

He called upon the General Assembly, as the body entrusted with UNRWA's mandate, to fulfil its responsibilities to ensure the agency's continued operation.

Sheikh Jassim reiterated Qatar's unwavering stance on the just cause of Palestine and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, based on international law resolutions that guarantee their right to self-determination, return, and the establishment of their independent and sovereign state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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