Abolishing UN aid agency would harm Palestinians - minister

Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has condemned attempts by certain groups to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).

He said such actions would have detrimental effects on Palestinians, particularly in the education and health sectors.

“There are efforts to abolish UNRWA... This is a deliberate attempt to weaken Palestine as a whole,” he said.

Mohamad was speaking to the media at the Malaysian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, USA, yesterday.

Earlier, he met UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

He also urged the international community to ensure UNRWA continues to function as originally intended, for the younger Palestinian generation affected by prolonged conflict.

Donations

Mohamad welcomed the efforts of major donor countries that have resumed their contributions to UNRWA, following diplomatic efforts by Malaysia and other like-minded nations.

“Thank God, it appears that all the major donor countries have reinstated their contributions so that UNRWA can operate as usual,” he said.

He added that while Malaysia is not a major donor, it strongly supports UNRWA and will continue to play its part in ensuring the agency fulfils its responsibilities to the Palestinian people.

Malaysia announced an additional contribution of US$1 million (RM4.19 million) to the agency during the UNRWA Pledging Conference at the United Nations on July 12.

This brings Malaysia’s total donations to UNRWA to US$5.2 million (RM21.8 million) since November 2023. The donation aligns with Malaysia’s annual commitment of US$200,000 (RM830,000) from 2021 to 2025.

Ceasefire

Meanwhile, Mohamad also discussed with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M Campbell the current situation in Gaza and global efforts to achieve a ceasefire.

He said Campbell informed him that the US is working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, but acknowledged the significant challenges in making it a reality.

“He (Campbell) said it is not easy, but efforts are being made to ensure this ceasefire can be achieved.

“What’s important for us, for me… is that the killing of innocent people in Palestine must stop immediately,” said Mohamad, adding that all nations want the ceasefire to be expedited.

- Bernama

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