Following the US government’s efforts to designate the UNRWA relief agency as a terrorist organization, eight Islamic countries issued a statement emphasizing that no institution or mechanism can replace UNRWA’s vital role.
Publish dateSaturday 13 December 2025 - 12:19
Story Code : 340512
Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: Two days after Reuters reported that the Trump administration had decided to designate the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) as a terrorist organization, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Qatar emphasized the organization’s important role in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
In this joint statement, the foreign ministers stated that “for decades, UNRWA has carried out the unique mission entrusted to it by the international community, which includes protecting refugees and providing educational, health, social, and emergency assistance services to millions of Palestine refugees in the agency’s areas of operation, in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 302 of 1949.”
They added that “the UN General Assembly’s re-approval of UNRWA’s mandate for another three years demonstrates international confidence in the vital role of the agency and its continued activities.”
The foreign ministers also condemned the Israeli occupation of UNRWA’s headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, calling it a “blatant violation of international law and the sanctity of UN premises.”
The statement also said that “UNRWA’s role is irreplaceable, as no other agency has the infrastructure, experience and field presence to meet the needs of Palestine refugees or ensure the continuity of services at the required level.”
They warned that “undermining UNRWA’s capacity would have serious humanitarian, social and political consequences across the region.”
Reuters reported on Wednesday that the US government was considering imposing “terrorism”-related sanctions on UNRWA, a decision that, according to sources cited by Reuters, has raised serious legal and humanitarian concerns even within the US State Department.
According to the report, the decision-making is in advanced stages and officials in the Trump administration are considering the implications of imposing such sanctions. Reuters wrote that the move, if finalized, could have a profound impact on UNRWA's activities in the areas it covers.
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