Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani receiving Philippe Lazzarini (Qena)
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani confirmed that his country will continue its support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The Qatari Prime Minister's confirmation came during his meeting today, Monday, with the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, after 17 countries and the European Union announced the suspension of their funding to the agency due to Israeli allegations about the involvement of some UNRWA employees in the attacks of October 7, 2023 on the settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman said that Qatar will continue its support for UNRWA, which has doubled its responsibilities in light of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and stressed the State of Qatar’s keenness to continue the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip in a sustainable and unhindered manner.
He also expressed the State of Qatar's appreciation for the important role played by UNRWA in providing assistance to millions in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
The Qatari Prime Minister also warned of the catastrophic repercussions that would result from stopping funding for this agency, and called for a separation between UNRWA, as an international institution with solid values and traditions, and the allegations that affected a number of its employees who are under investigation.
For his part, Lazzarini expressed UNRWA's appreciation to Doha for its generous and continuous support for its programs, which contributes to meeting the emergency humanitarian needs of the Palestinians.
Source: Al Jazeera