Jordan participates in meetings of Advisory Commission of UNRWA in Geneva

AMMAN — Director-General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA) Rafiq Khirfan has participated in the meetings of the Advisory Commission of UNRWA held in Geneva.

Khirfan stressed Jordan's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent, sovereign state on the pre-1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Monday.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Arab host countries for Palestinian refugees, he referred to His Majesty King Abdullah's address at the 33rd Arab Summit, highlighting the Kingdom's commitment to the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, its support for Gaza in these difficult times, and his call for the international community to take responsibility in stopping the war on Gaza.

Khirfan emphasised Jordan's commitment to protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem as part of the Hashemite custodianship of these sites, reiterating that the Palestinian cause remains the foremost issue for Arabs and the key to peace in the region.

He said that the kingdom provided UNRWA with support amounting to JD3 million following the outbreak of the war on Gaza, to enable the UN agency to continue its role in supporting residents of the war-torn strip and alleviate its financial crisis.

The director general referred to the Kingdom's efforts in supporting Gaza, including sending medical and relief aid, and conducting airdrops of medical supplies under the direct supervision of King Abdullah,

He also referred to Jordan's initiative, alongside Egypt and the United Nations, in hosting the Emergency Humanitarian Response Conference for Gaza, which saw broad international and UN participation and succeeded in mobilising international efforts to aid Gaza.

Khirfan also mentioned the recurrent financial crises faced by UNRWA, exacerbated by the suspension of funding by several countries following Israeli allegations of some of UNRWA's employees being involved in the events of October 7.

Khirfan called on the international community to support UNRWA both financially and politically, emphasising that the agency serves as a stabilising factor in the region and the world.

He also pointed out that UNRWA's developed approach towards neutrality surpasses that of other United Nations organisations or similar relief agencies.