Qatar has announced a new $100 million pledge to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza during a Ministerial Meeting on UNRWA, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and rejecting the designation of UNRWA as a terrorist organization.
In a significant display of support for humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip, the State of Qatar pledged an additional $100 million during a recent Ministerial Meeting for Key Partners of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This meeting was held concurrently with the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, with the Minister of State for International Cooperation, Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, representing Qatar. During her address, Her Excellency emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated international effort in support of UNRWA, highlighting its critical role as a provider of essential humanitarian aid in the region, particularly amidst the challenges posed by Israeli governmental actions. Her Excellency expressed Qatar’s commitment as one of the founding signatories of the Statement of Shared Commitments on UNRWA, which recognizes the agency’s indispensable work in delivering life-saving assistance to Palestinian refugees. Moreover, she articulated Qatar’s strong opposition to any attempts to label UNRWA as a terrorist organization, regarding such narratives as dangerously misleading. The Minister noted Qatar’s historical generosity, signifying its status as the first Arab nation to enter into a multi-year agreement with UNRWA back in 2018. Her Excellency reiterated Qatar’s resolve to continue working closely with UNRWA to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and provide various forms of humanitarian assistance, reinforcing the nation’s policy of solidarity with their plight. The current meeting was underscored by the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, military actions in the West Bank, and strikes in Lebanon, resulting in a deepening humanitarian crisis and regional instability.
The context of this statement revolves around the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by residents of the Gaza Strip, exacerbated by conflict and political instability in the region. UNRWA has long been a crucial agency in providing support to Palestinian refugees, especially in times of increased conflict, and significant funding from nations like Qatar is essential to sustain its operations. Recent escalations of violence have brought international attention to the plight of those in the Gaza Strip and surrounding areas, necessitating urgent responses from the international community.
In summary, Qatar’s commitment of an additional $100 million underscores its ongoing support for Palestinian refugees through UNRWA amidst a critical humanitarian crisis. Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater’s statements advocate for a unified international approach to support UNRWA and reject damaging narratives against the agency. Qatar remains a vital contributor to humanitarian efforts in the region, with its history of early and sustained support for organizations focusing on alleviating the suffering of afflicted populations.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
