At the outset, we collectively express our alarm about measures being taken by Israel against UNRWA, including the draft legislation before the Israeli Parliament that could prevent UNRWA from continuing its life-saving operations and essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in the Gaza Strip where the situation is a humanitarian catastrophe and civilian suffering and needs are immense.

UNRWA’s role is indispensable and irreplaceable. It is the cornerstone and backbone of humanitarian assistance to generations of Palestinian refugees through the provision of essential education, health, relief and social services programmes and emergency assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Jordan, Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic.

We highlight the findings of the Independent Review of Mechanisms and Procedures to Ensure Adherence by UNRWA to the Humanitarian Principle of Neutrality, led by Ms. Catherine Colonna and welcome the Agency’s commitment to fully implement its recommendations.

UNRWA is a pillar of regional stability and a lifeline of hope and opportunity for the millions of Palestinian refugees it serves, including children and women and youth, and in this regard we stress the serious humanitarian, political and security risks that would result from any interruption or suspension of its vital work.

We express our appreciation and admiration for the work of the staff of the Agency in all fields of operation in fulfillment of the Agency’s mandate and respect for the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

We reaffirm the shared commitments on UNRWA which gathered universal support, with 123 signatories to this date, and we remain committed to support the ability of the agency to fulfill its vital mandate.