New York: Pakistan has called upon the international community to renew its support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), emphasizing the urgent need to stop the ongoing demonization and delegitimization of the agency. In a statement delivered at the UN Fourth Committee meeting, First Secretary at the Pakistani Mission Ansar Shah highlighted the importance of concrete measures to ensure that UNRWA remains operational and continues its vital humanitarian services for Palestinian refugees.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shah reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people and their inalienable right to self-determination. He urged all UN member states to provide political, financial, and operational backing to UNRWA, stressing that sustaining and expanding the agency’s operations is crucial to mitigating the adverse effects of Israel’s actions in the region.

Shah stated that Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli efforts to dismantle UNRWA’s operations, which he described as a clear violation of the UN Charter, international law, and the provisional measures set by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He emphasized that the international community must intervene to prevent the collapse of UNRWA, which would deprive millions of Palestinians of access to essential public services like education, healthcare, and social support.

Highlighting the precarious situation in Gaza, Shah noted that the entire population fears losing access to essential public services, on which their lives depend. He warned that without member state intervention, UNRWA will collapse, and millions of Palestinians will face chaos.

The Pakistani diplomat also condemned recent Israeli actions, including the passage of laws by the Israeli parliament that directly undermine the agency’s mandate, and Israel’s declaration of the UN Secretary-General as persona non grata. Ansar Shah stated that these actions pose a direct challenge to the principles of the UN Charter and international law.