In a diplomatic move reaffirming Saudi Arabia's unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue, His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, received the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting provided an important opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the Palestinian arena and to coordinate joint efforts to support the Palestinian people amidst the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
The historical context of UNRWA's role and the Kingdom
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees in its five areas of operation (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip) until a just solution to their plight is reached. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the agency's largest historical supporters, having provided substantial financial and political contributions over the decades to ensure the continuity of its vital services in education, health, relief, and social services, based on its belief in the importance of the agency's humanitarian role in preserving the dignity of refugees and alleviating their suffering.
The importance of the meeting in light of the current crisis
This meeting is of exceptional importance given the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Gaza Strip. The two sides reviewed efforts to provide urgent relief aid and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the Kingdom and UNRWA to ensure the safe and sustainable delivery of humanitarian assistance to all affected areas. This meeting comes at a time when UNRWA is facing severe funding challenges, making Saudi and international support more crucial than ever to enable the agency to continue its indispensable work, especially as it is considered the main humanitarian lifeline in Gaza.
Expected impact at the regional and international levels
Regionally, this Saudi coordination with UNRWA reinforces the Kingdom's role as an active and pivotal force in supporting humanitarian stability in the region and underscores its unwavering commitment to standing with the Palestinian people. Internationally, the meeting sends a clear message to the international community about the necessity of assuming its responsibilities regarding the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and the importance of continuing to support UNRWA as a cornerstone of the international humanitarian system. The meeting also reflects the Saudi diplomatic corps' keenness to activate UN channels and international organizations as effective tools for addressing crises and coordinating the global humanitarian response.
