Cairo: Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has underscored the critical need for the international community to maintain its support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to ensure it continues fulfilling its humanitarian duties towards Palestinian refugees.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement following a meeting between Fuad Hussein and Christian Saunders, the Acting Commissioner-General of UNRWA. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 166th regular session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level in Cairo. The discussions highlighted the challenging humanitarian situation confronting the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and the political and financial obstacles currently facing UNRWA.

Both parties acknowledged the necessity for the agency to persist in delivering its humanitarian and service-oriented responsibilities to Palestinian refugees, particularly in education, healthcare, and relief areas, due to the growing demand for these services. The dialogue also addressed the critical role of international cooperation and the encouragement of donor countries to close the funding gap that UNRWA faces, ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees and preventing any reduction or cessation of its programs.

The Foreign Minister reiterated Iraq’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their recognized rights. He emphasized the significance of the international community’s ongoing backing for UNRWA, enabling the agency to continue its humanitarian mission. Additionally, the Minister called for intensified international efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protect civilians and humanitarian facilities.