The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) marked World Refugee Day by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to supporting Palestinian refugees until a just and lasting solution is achieved.

In a statement posted on X, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini emphasized the agency’s dedication to providing essential services and humanitarian aid despite significant challenges in conflict-stricken areas like Gaza and the West Bank. “We, UNRWA, renew our commitment to Palestine Refugees,” Lazzarini said, underscoring the agency’s mandate from the United Nations General Assembly. “It’s our mission. It’s our commitment. It’s our mandate.”

UNRWA highlighted the ongoing displacement crisis, drawing parallels between the current situation in Gaza and the 1948 Nakba, when over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced during the establishment of Israel. The agency noted that since the onset of the recent war in Gaza, approximately 1.9 million people have been forced to flee their homes.

The statement comes as UNRWA continues to navigate severe humanitarian challenges, underscoring its critical role in supporting Palestinian refugees amid persistent conflict and displacement. (ILKHA)