RAMALLAH, Tuesday, March 1, 2022 – President Mahmoud Abbas today emphasized the importance of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) continuing to provide its services and emergency assistance to Palestinian refugees.

This came during a meeting with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah.

President Abbas welcomed Commissioner-General Lazzarini, expressing his appreciation for his efforts and for all UNRWA staff. He affirmed his support for ongoing efforts to secure the necessary funding to enable the Agency to continue delivering its essential and emergency services to the Palestinian people in the diaspora.

The President also reiterated his support for efforts to renew UNRWA’s mandate to ensure the continuation of its vital role, stressing that the refugee issue remains one of the most crucial and sensitive issues for the Palestinian people, and must be resolved on the basis of United Nations resolutions.

For his part, Commissioner-General Lazzarini briefed the President on the services provided by UNRWA to Palestinian refugees and the urgent need for support to sustain its core and emergency operations.

He also outlined the challenges posed by the current political and economic situation in the region, and highlighted UNRWA’s ongoing efforts to preserve its mandate in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. Lazzarini stressed the importance of continued coordination with all Palestinian institutions, as well as with the PLO’s Department of Refugee Affairs, to mobilize financial support, ensure the Agency’s continued operations, and renew its mandate.