Saudi Arabia is strategic partner in UN support for Palestinian refugees, amid fears of escalating violence
For the first time since 2020, UNRWA Commissioner General Philippe Lazzarini visit Saudi Arabia January 28 and 29 at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Saudi Arabia’s longstanding solidarity with Palestinian refugees was at the top of the agenda in his talks with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed ElKhereji, and the Relief Center’s Supervisor General. and King Salman’s Humanitarian Assistance, Dr Abdallah al Rabeea.
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A subsequent meeting with the President of the King Faisal Center for Islamic Studies and Research, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, focused on the fragility of the situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the worrying escalation last week.
A terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Jerusalem on Friday left at least seven Israelis dead and three wounded, while nine Palestinians were killed in an Israeli raid on Israeli targets. suspected fighters at a West Bank refugee camp the day before.
“The relevant events taking place on the West Coast are a stark reminder that the stability of the area usually hung by a thread,” said Mr. Lazzarini.
“We at UNRWA look forward to working closely with Saudi Arabia, as a strategic partner, to ensure that the lives of refugees, especially children and young people, continue continue to be positively transformed through the education, health care, and other services this agency provides.”
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The Commissioner-General again acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s much-needed $27 million contribution late last year was allocated directly to UNRWA’s core program budget and helps maintain critical services to people. Palestinian refugee.
All discussions during his two-day mission explored ways for the UN agency to work with Saudi organizations on youth empowerment and employment. .
Mr. Lazzarini emphasized the importance of UNRWA working with Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner, especially in areas such as: youth development and empowerment, as promote regional peace and stability.
“Education and modern skills are the best tools the international community can offer to young Palestinian refugees,” he said. “By helping them build their future, we are also sending them a message that they are not alone.”
