Abdullah bin Zayed, Lazzarini discuss UNRWA operations

Sheikh Abdullah also discussed, with Lazzarini, the important and pivotal role played by the Agency in improving the lives of Palestinian refugees.

He said that based on the directive of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has decided to open a joint account and contribute US$15 million to support the Agency’s operations and services, and to provide urgent assistance to Palestinian families, especially in Jenin and its camp who have suffered losses due to recent Israeli attacks. The assistance will be used to rehabilitate homes and businesses that have been damaged.

During the call, Sheikh Abdullah stressed the UAE's unwavering commitment to supporting UNRWA and helping it overcome the challenges it faces in fulfilling its mandate from the United Nations. He praised the agency's work in improving the conditions of Palestinian refugees and providing them with a decent life, and specifically mentioned the services it provides to Palestinian refugees in Jenin and its camp for health and social care.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed the need to re-energize international efforts for a ceasefire and the revival of the peace process in the Middle East. He also expressed the UAE's support for all regional and international efforts in this regard, as well as the need to end illegal practices that threaten the two-state solution. He concluded by calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

For his part, Philippe Lazzarini expressed his appreciation for the continuous support provided by the UAE to the UNRWA. He specifically mentioned the UAE's most recent allocation of US$20 million, which was announced earlier this year.