Saudi Arabia blames veto power abuse

Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, criticized the abuse of veto power and reiterated the Kingdom’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza while addressing the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) 10th emergency special session on Palestine.

The session focused on two key resolutions: one supporting the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the other demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.

He also welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon, condemning Israeli violations of the agreement, and emphasized the importance of UNRWA's role while denouncing Israeli actions against the agency, including targeted legislation and efforts to undermine its mandate.

The ambassador highlighted Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people, advocating for peace based on the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and international legitimacy resolutions.

He called for active participation in the high-level international conference on resolving the Palestinian issue, which Saudi Arabia and France will co-chair in June in New York.

Al-Wasil also condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territories, stressing that these violations undermine Syria’s stability and sovereignty.

He reaffirmed the Arab and Syrian identity of the occupied Golan Heights and condemned Israel’s continued disregard for international law.

During the session, the Saudi delegation voted in favor of both resolutions. The resolution supporting UNRWA’s mandate was adopted with 159 votes in favor, 9 against, and 11 abstentions. The resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza received 158 votes in favor, 9 against, and 13 abstentions.

The ambassador reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting peace, condemning aggression, and supporting the Palestinian cause.

 

UN agency for Palestine refugees on verge of financial collapse

The United Nations has appealed for sustainable funding for its agency that supports Palestine refugees, UNRWA, which is on the brink of financial collapse.

Chronic underfunding over the past decade, and resultant severe austerity measures, mean UNRWA is already operating with a US$75 million shortfall, putting its lifesaving programs across the Middle East at risk.

“As I address you today, I do not have the funds to keep our schools, health centers and other services running as of September,” Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told a pledging conference at UN Headquarters in New York.

UNRWA was established in 1949 as a temporary agency to provide aid to Palestinians following mass displacement from land that became Israel, making it one of the first UN humanitarian operations.

Today, nearly six million people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, depend on its services, which are almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions. Nearly a third of registered Palestine refugees live in camps.

UNRWA is seeking US$1.6 billion for its operations this year. Lazzararini said an additional US$75 million is urgently needed to provide food for over a million people in Gaza. Another US$30 million is required to maintain cash and food assistance to 600,000 people in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged the international community to ensure the agency is fully funded.

Despite its essential role, “we allow UNRWA to remain trapped in financial limbo,” he said in remarks delivered by his Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray.

The UN chief was also deeply concerned that some of the largest and most reliable donors have indicated that they might be reducing their support.

“Let’s be clear: UNRWA is on the verge of financial collapse. The consequences of further budget cuts would be catastrophic,” he warned.

More than a half a million young Palestinians are enrolled in UNRWA schools, two of whom made impassioned pleas at the pledging conference.

Ahmad Abu Daqqa attends a boys’ school in the Gaza Strip, where a blockade has been in place for more than 15 years.

“We, the students of the Gaza Strip, seek hope amidst despair,” he said, conveying a message from his peers.

“We only find it in education and learning, despite the numerous difficulties and obstacles we face, like living in a conflict and war zone.”

UNRWA students are proud of their education, heritage and culture, added Leen Sharqawi, 15, who attends a girls’ school in Jordan. They also have big dreams.

“We are not just Palestine refugees,” she said. “We are children who dream of becoming global citizens and who want to help the world become a better place. Good education is what will allow us to do this.”