Baghdad: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC's supportive stance towards the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This declaration was made during a meeting with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, coinciding with the 34th ordinary session of the Arab League Summit and the 5th regular session of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit held in Baghdad.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi expressed the GCC's ongoing commitment to supporting UNRWA's mission and humanitarian efforts for the Palestinian people. He highlighted the importance of allowing unhindered humanitarian aid access through all crossings and called for an end to Israeli occupation forces' disruptions at the agency's centers and aid distribution sites.
During the meeting, Commissioner-General Lazzarini provided an overview of the current humanitarian and relief situation in the Gaza Strip, occupied Palestinian territories, and refugee camps. He emphasized the unprecedented deterioration of conditions in these areas.
Philippe Lazzarini noted that UNRWA's financial situation has reached a critical point, which poses a significant challenge for the agency in continuing to provide essential services to the Palestinian population.