UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has reaffirmed its “unwavering” support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and called for urgent international intervention after Israel announced new laws to ban the agency’s operations.
Speaking at a General Assembly session, Pakistan’s acting UN ambassador, Usman Jadoon, condemned Israel’s recent legislation, describing it as a “flagrant violation” of the UN Charter and international law.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned the General Assembly that the agency faces its “darkest hour” and requires urgent support from UN member states.
He emphasized that without intervention, UNRWA could collapse within 90 days, leaving millions of Palestinians without essential aid in Gaza, where nearly the entire population relies on humanitarian assistance under decades of Israeli control.
Established in 1949, UNRWA has been critical in providing relief and services to Palestinian refugees. Ambassador Jadoon reiterated Pakistan’s “resolute solidarity” with the Palestinian people and emphasized the essential role UNRWA plays in preserving the identity and rights of refugees across the region. He urged the UN Security Council and the broader international community to hold Israel accountable and ensure the agency’s unimpeded operations.
“This is a decisive moment,” Jadoon stated. “The international community must uphold the UN Charter and prevent the collapse of a world order built on peace, justice, and respect for international law.”
