Qatar reaffirmed that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) plays a pivotal and indispensable role, serving as the backbone of humanitarian aid in Gaza, praising the tremendous efforts of UNRWA staff, led by HE Commissioner-General of UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini.
This came in a speech delivered by HE Qatar's Permanent Representative to the UN, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to UNRWA, held at the UN headquarters in New York.
Her Excellency said that this year's pledging conference comes under exceptional circumstances that are added on top of UNRWA's chronic lack of funding, pointing out that the unprecedented humanitarian disaster caused by the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip necessitates a massive humanitarian response.
She also reiterated the welcoming of the findings of the independent review group, which invalidated allegations against UNRWA, and expressed gratitude to countries that have resumed or increased their financial contributions to the Agency.
Her Excellency highlighted Qatar's additional financial contribution of USD 25mn in May to support UNRWA's core resources for 2024, on top of the USD 18mn it provided in December 2023 for the same purpose.
HE Sheikha Alya said Qatar will continue to co-ordinate with the UNRWA Commissioner-General at various levels in the current period to ensure the continuation of efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, noting that this is in addition to the various forms of humanitarian, financial and in-kind support provided by Qatar to the Palestinian people in line with its firm policy of solidarity with them. (QNA)
