Jordan, Spain, UN vow not to let crucial aid agency for Palestine collapse

Top diplomats and UN officials say UNRWA's irreplaceable role is vital for millions of Palestinians. (Photo/TRT World)

Top diplomats and UN officials have warned against the collapse of UN Relief and Works Agency [UNRWA], which is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, following cuts in US funding.

“Let me be clear, there is no alternative to UNRWA. It's irreplaceable role is vital for millions of Palestinian, and it's a key enabler of stability in the whole world," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno told reporters on the sidelines of the UNGA.

He was speaking after Jordan, Spain, and Brazil co-hosted a ministerial-level meeting on the critical and indispensable role of the UNRWA.

Bueno said the world is witnessing a deeply alarming, shrinking humanitarian space, adding as responsible members of the international community, "we have a more and legal responsibility to stop the ongoing and unbearable situation unfolding" in Gaza.

"And we are very much aware we cannot do with the loan, and that's why we should work within the UN system as we have done it today," he added.

He said Spain cannot and will not remain indifferent to the suffering of Palestine and its refugees, and "our support for UNRWA is unwavering."

"Spain has contributed financially to the agency with more than 60 million euros since the end of 2023, and we have announced a new disbursement of 10 extra million euros," he said.

Bueno said Spain's total contribution to aid the Palestinian people will reach 150 million euros by 2026, adding mobilising of the much-needed funds "is currently our priority."

"We cannot allow UNRWA to collapse," he said, adding "UNRWA must come out reinforced from today's meeting."

'UNRWA has to stay there'

UNRWA provided hope, education, and support in Gaza long before the recent conflict and destruction of schools, said Ayman H. Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan.

"Long before the genocide in Gaza started, long before Israel destroyed Gaza's schools, long before Israel buried the children of Gaza under the rubble of their homes, long before Israel closed the schools to over 600,000 kids, UNRWA was there, bringing hope, offering education, offering support," Safadi said.

The work of UNRWA is reflected in the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, he said, adding girls who were able to finish this schools, to get jobs, to get education, and to move on with their lives, despite the Israeli oppression and occupation.

"UNRWA has to stay there," Safadi said, but added, its funds have shrunk and needs support.

"On the ground, UNRWA staff is being hunted. It has no money to continue its operations, and that is why we're here to support all member of states of UN to translate their political support for UNRWA," he said, adding more than 300 UNRWA members were killed by Israel.

'$200 million is urgently required'

UNRWA continues to operate in five areas: Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.

Established post the 1948 Palestinian Nakba, it delivers vital aid to around 5.9 million Palestinians across five key regions.

The UN agency is facing a financial shortfall. Officials state that funding has declined sharply this year, a situation compounded by the lack of support from the US and Sweden, which has intensified the crisis.

UN officials state that the General Assembly is set to vote in early December on the renewal of UNRWA’s three-year mandate.

Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General, UNRWA, said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is so severe that Palestinians are just dreaming "to be able to properly die."

He reported that highest number of child amputations in the world are taking place in Gaza "without sterilisation."

Lazzarini stated that $200 million is urgently required to continue UNRWA's operations. He added that cost controls are in place, but further measures are necessary to sustain these operations.

"Traditionally we used to receive in January the US contribution and funding, which allowed the agency to end the year with a deficit, but now this won't be possible, and the need for new money in fact, is right now $200 million," he said.

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Source: TRT