Saudi Gazette report

NEW YORK — Saudi Arabia has reiterated its steadfast support for the Palestinian people's aspirations to regain their lands, restore their legitimate rights, and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations, Abdulaziz Alwasil, delivered this message during the annual conference of donors to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in New York.

Alwasil emphasized the importance of supporting UNRWA and preserving its mandate, while seeking sustainable solutions to the financial challenges it faces. He welcomed the outcomes of the independent investigation into UNRWA's performance.

In his address, Alwasil highlighted Saudi Arabia's urgent contributions, totaling approximately $85 million, following the Israeli aggression on Gaza. This includes $55 million allocated to UNRWA, along with airlifts of humanitarian aid consisting of shelter, medical, and food supplies, amounting to over 7,000 tons, delivered via 54 planes and 8 ships.

The annual conference saw 118 member states of the United Nations join the Joint Commitment Initiative to support UNRWA. This collective effort aims to address political and financial challenges and underscore the agency's vital role in providing services to Palestinian refugees, contributing to regional stability.