BEIRUT, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants urged on Monday the international community to bolster support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
The ministry highlighted the critical role of the UNRWA in providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and neighboring countries, adding the agency's operations should cease only with "the implementation of the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state."
Acknowledging the UNRWA's extensive expertise in aiding Palestinian refugees under challenging conditions in Lebanon, the ministry lauded donor countries that have resumed or increased their contributions.
It called for continued support, claiming it as vital for the Palestinian people's survival and a testament to the United Nations' protective capabilities.
A number of donor countries decided to suspend funds to UNRWA after Israel accused the agency's employees in Gaza of taking part in the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
While some have partially reinstated UNRWA funding, given that Israel's claims have not been verified, the agency has lost the bulk of its financial support. ■
