DPA, UNRWA discuss Palestinian refugees' demands, needs

AMMAN — Director General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA) Rafiq Khirfan and Director of UNRWA in Jordan Olaf Becker on Sunday discussed key demands and needs of Palestinian refugee camps and their challenges.

The officials' discussions came during a meeting with a number of heads and members of camp service committees, advisory bodies, representatives of civil society institutions and camp dignitaries, to follow up on efforts to overcome difficulties and challenges facing UNRWA's operations, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Khirfan said that UNRWA suffers a fierce attack by Israel, the latest of which were the Knesset laws that prohibit the agency from operating in the West Bank and Gaza.

He praised Jordan's diplomatic efforts, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, and implemented by the Foreign Ministry, to stop the war on Gaza, deliver aid to the strip, support UNRWA and emphasise its symbolism as a testimony to the Palestinian cause and its importance in serving Palestinian refugees.

Khirfan commended the Royal initiatives that were launched in camps, and covered all sectors, mainly youth clubs, women's centres, community rehabilitation centres, cemeteries, and housing, which had a "remarkable" impact in improving their living conditions.

For his part, Becker said: "Despite the fierce war waged on UNRWA and the difficult conditions in Gaza, UNRWA is continuing its work to deliver aid, treat the wounded, and conduct vaccination campaigns for children."

He noted that UNRWA is battling difficult financial circumstances, but it will carry out its work under the UN mandate.

Calling for supporting UNRWA, the camp committees stressed their support for the Kingdom's leadership, commending Jordan's great efforts to stop the war on Gaza and deliver aid to the coastal enclave.