Muslim Foreign Ministers Reaffirm Vital Role of UNRWA Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Introduction: Why UNRWA Matters Today
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has once again become the focus of global attention after Muslim foreign ministers strongly reaffirmed its indispensable role in protecting Palestinian refugees. At a time when Gaza faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, the support for UNRWA is seen as critical for survival, stability, and dignity of millions of Palestinians.
On December 13, 2025, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement condemning Israel for storming UNRWA’s headquarters in East Jerusalem and emphasized that UNRWA’s role is irreplaceable.
This article explains what UNRWA is, why Muslim countries are supporting it, what international law says, and why global funding for UNRWA is crucial, using simple and clear English for better understanding.
What Is UNRWA? A Simple Explanation
UNRWA stands for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. It was established in 1949 under UN General Assembly Resolution 302 to help Palestinian refugees who were displaced after the 1948 conflict.
Main Services Provided by UNRWA
UNRWA provides essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees, including:
- Education (schools for children)
- Primary healthcare (clinics and medical support)
- Food and emergency aid
- Social services
- Refugee protection
UNRWA operates in five main areas:
- Gaza Strip
- West Bank (including East Jerusalem)
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Syria
For decades, UNRWA has acted as a lifeline for refugee communities.
Joint Statement by Muslim Foreign Ministers
The foreign ministers clearly stated that UNRWA carries a unique and historic mandate given by the international community. According to them, no other organization has the ability, infrastructure, or experience to replace UNRWA.
They emphasized that renewing UNRWA’s mandate for another three years by the UN General Assembly shows global confidence in the agency’s work and importance.
Countries Supporting UNRWA
The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of:
- Pakistan
- Egypt
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
This united stance reflects strong political and moral support for Palestinian refugees.
Condemnation of Israel’s Storming of UNRWA Headquarters
One of the strongest parts of the statement was the condemnation of Israeli forces for storming UNRWA’s headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem.
Why This Action Is Serious
The ministers said this act represents:
- A clear violation of international law
- A breach of the inviolability of United Nations premises
- An unacceptable escalation in the conflict
They stressed that UN facilities are protected under international law, and any attack on them undermines global humanitarian systems.
International Court of Justice Opinion (October 22, 2025)
The ministers referred to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dated October 22, 2025.
Key ICJ Findings
According to the ICJ:
- Israel, as an occupying power, must not obstruct UNRWA’s work
- Instead, Israel is legally required to facilitate UNRWA operations
- Blocking or attacking UNRWA violates international humanitarian law
This legal backing strengthens UNRWA’s legitimacy and the Muslim countries’ position.
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: Why UNRWA Is Essential
The Gaza Strip is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in history. Millions of people lack:
- Food
- Clean water
- Medical care
- Shelter
- Education
UNRWA’s Role in Gaza
UNRWA plays a central role by:
- Running food distribution centers
- Providing emergency relief items
- Operating schools and health clinics
- Ensuring aid reaches people fairly and efficiently
The ministers highlighted that UNRWA’s work aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which focuses on humanitarian access and civilian protection.
UNRWA Schools and Health Facilities: A Lifeline
Despite extreme danger and shortages, UNRWA schools and health centers continue to operate in Gaza.
Education Under Fire
- UNRWA schools provide basic education to refugee children
- Schools often act as shelters during conflict
- Education helps protect children from long-term trauma
Healthcare Services
- UNRWA clinics offer primary healthcare
- Services include maternal care, vaccinations, and emergency treatment
- These facilities are often the only medical option available
Political Stability and Regional Impact
The foreign ministers warned that weakening UNRWA would have serious consequences, including:
- Increased humanitarian suffering
- Social instability
- Political unrest across the Middle East
They stressed that UNRWA is not only a humanitarian agency but also a pillar of regional stability.
Why UNRWA’s Role Is Irreplaceable
The ministers clearly stated:
“No other entity possesses the infrastructure, expertise, and field presence required to meet the needs of Palestinian refugees.”
Why UNRWA Cannot Be Replaced
- Over 75 years of experience
- Deep-rooted presence in refugee communities
- Trained staff familiar with local needs
- Large-scale operational capacity
Replacing UNRWA would take decades, which refugees simply cannot afford.
Call for Sustainable International Funding
One of the most urgent appeals in the statement was for adequate and sustainable funding.
Why Funding Is Critical
UNRWA depends on voluntary contributions from countries. Funding shortages can result in:
- School closures
- Reduced healthcare services
- Food shortages
- Staff layoffs
The ministers urged the international community to:
- Increase financial support
- Protect UNRWA from political pressure
- Allow it to work freely in all five operational areas
UN General Assembly Resolution 194 and Refugee Rights
The ministers reaffirmed that UNRWA’s mission continues until a just and lasting solution is achieved.
What Resolution 194 Says
UN General Assembly Resolution 194 supports:
- The right of return
- Compensation for refugees
- Protection of refugee rights under international law
UNRWA remains central until these rights are fulfilled.
Global Responsibility Toward Palestinian Refugees
The joint statement concluded that supporting UNRWA is a global responsibility, not just a regional one.
UNRWA helps:
- Preserve human dignity
- Maintain peace and stability
- Uphold international humanitarian principles
Without UNRWA, millions of refugees would be left without hope or support.
Conclusion: UNRWA as a Symbol of Humanitarian Commitment
The reaffirmation by Muslim foreign ministers sends a strong global message:
UNRWA is essential, lawful, and irreplaceable.
At a time of war, displacement, and humanitarian collapse in Gaza, protecting UNRWA means protecting lives. The international community now faces a clear choice — either support UNRWA and uphold humanitarian values, or risk deepening one of the world’s longest refugee crises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is UNRWA and why is it important for Palestinian refugees?
UNRWA is the United Nations agency responsible for providing education, healthcare, food assistance, and social services to Palestinian refugees. It is important because millions of refugees depend on UNRWA for basic survival, especially in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
2. Why did Muslim foreign ministers reaffirm support for UNRWA?
Muslim foreign ministers reaffirmed support for UNRWA because the agency plays an irreplaceable role in protecting Palestinian refugees. They stressed that no other organization has the capacity or experience to replace UNRWA’s humanitarian services during the ongoing Gaza humanitarian crisis.
3. Why did Muslim countries condemn Israel for storming UNRWA headquarters?
Muslim countries condemned Israel for storming UNRWA’s headquarters in East Jerusalem because it violates international law and the protection granted to United Nations facilities. The action was described as a serious escalation and a breach of Israel’s obligations as an occupying power.
4. What does international law say about UNRWA’s operations?
According to international law and the International Court of Justice advisory opinion issued on October 22, 2025, Israel must not obstruct UNRWA’s work. Instead, it is legally required to facilitate the agency’s humanitarian operations in occupied Palestinian territories.
5. Why is international funding crucial for UNRWA?
International funding is crucial because UNRWA depends on voluntary donations to run schools, health clinics, and food distribution programs. Any reduction in funding could lead to school closures, healthcare shortages, and worsening humanitarian conditions for Palestinian refugees.
