Amman, June 18 (Petra) – Director General of Department of
Palestinian Affairs (DPA), Rafiq Khirfan, affirmed UNRWA has “proven
its ability to operate and respond” under the most difficult
circumstances, remaining a lifeline for millions of Palestinian
refugees who depend on its services in the education, health, relief,
and social services fields.

The remarks came during the UNRWA Advisory Commission (AdCom)
meeting, hosted by Jordan in Amman, with the participation of
representatives of donor countries, AdCom members and international
partners.

Khirfan expressed the Jordanian government’s appreciation for the
delegations’ participation and their continued commitment to
supporting Palestinian refugees and assisting the United Nations
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
(UNRWA), enabling it to continue fulfilling its humanitarian mission.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Arab countries hosting
Palestinian refugees and the Arab League, Khirfan urged continued
political and financial support for the Agency amid the region’s
exceptional circumstances.

He noted the agency is not merely a service provider, but rather
embodies the international community’s ongoing commitment to the
Palestinian refugee issue until a just and lasting solution is
reached, in accordance with international law.

He commended the efforts of UNRWA’s management and staff across its
various areas of operation, particularly in the Gaza Strip, praising
their provision of humanitarian and relief services under extremely
difficult circumstances.

Additionally, he expressed his appreciation to donor countries and
organizations for their support and contributions, which enable the
agency to fulfill its UN mandate and continue providing essential
services to millions of Palestinian refugees.

Khirfan noted the meeting was being held, amid highly complex
regional conditions of escalating conflicts and military tensions,
which led to widespread humanitarian, security, and economic
repercussions.

As for the catastrophic effects of the recent war on the Gaza Strip,
he said this situation caused significant loss of life and widespread
destruction of infrastructure and basic necessities, exacerbated the
suffering of Palestinian refugees and increased their humanitarian
needs to unprecedented levels.

He said the Arab host countries affirm UNRWA’s role is “key” to
supporting regional stability and enhancing capacity of host
countries to counter growing economic and social challenges, as the
agency is facing escalating financial and operational challenges that
threaten its capacity to continue performing its duties effectively.

On behalf of the Arab host countries and the Arab League, Khirfan
welcomed the Acting Commissioner-General of UNRWA, wishing him
success in leading the agency and continuing its noble humanitarian
mission of serving Palestinian refugees.

He also expressed his appreciation to the former Commissioner-General
for his efforts and contributions during his tenure, amidst complex
challenges and increasing responsibilities.

In this context, Khirfan reviewed the Kingdom’s efforts, under His
Majesty King Abdullah II’s leadership, to support UNRWA and mobilize
international support for its continued operation.

These Jordanian efforts, he noted, have included international
conferences and meetings organized by the Kingdom in cooperation with
its partners from sister Arab states and friendly nations, which have
contributed to maintaining the agency’s continuity.

He said these steps enabled the agency to fulfill its UN mandate
until a just and comprehensive solution is reached for the
Palestinian refugee issue, based on Resolution 194 of 1948.

//Petra// AG