Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani has expressed concern over the potential dire consequences of certain countries deciding to cease funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the statement released by the Qatari foreign ministry following Al-Thani's meeting with UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini in Doha reads.
The statement highlights that Al-Thani committed to maintaining financial backing for UNRWA's operations, "particularly in light of the critical humanitarian crisis affecting civilians in the Gaza Strip." Furthermore, the prime minister stressed the importance of ensuring consistent and reliable delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian territory.
In related developments, Lazzarini previously traveled to Abu Dhabi, where he engaged with UAE's Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During their discussions, Al Nahyan urged those nations that have halted contributions to UNRWA to reconsider their decision. Following his visit to Qatar, Lazzarini is scheduled to proceed to Kuwait. His tour of the Gulf states coincides with the announcement by several countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany, and Canada, to temporarily suspend funding to UNRWA due to concerns regarding the involvement of UNRWA staff in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS