Algeria, through its permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ammar Ben Jemmia, has renewed its steadfast support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and called on all partners to continue supporting the agency in fulfilling its mandate now and in the future.
In his speech during the UNRWA donors’ conference, Ben Jemmia highlighted that this conference comes at a critical juncture, as the Palestinian people face the brutal attacks of the Zionist occupation.
The Algerian ambassador noted that this occasion “provides a new opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to UNRWA and to Palestinian refugees,” pointing out that “Algeria was part of the core group of the initiative launched by Jordan, Kuwait, and Slovenia regarding shared commitments to UNRWA.”
Ben Jemmia praised all of UNRWA’s efforts to assist Palestinian refugees despite the daily challenges it faces and expressed condolences for the agency staff members killed in Gaza due to the Zionist occupation’s aggression.
In these catastrophic humanitarian conditions and the widespread risk of famine in Gaza, the Algerian diplomat added, “The role of humanitarian workers becomes indispensable. They are the cornerstone of humanitarian work in the sector, making the agency an irreplaceable organization.”
He also noted that “unfortunately, instead of being praised, the agency is facing continuous attacks” from the Zionist occupation, “aiming to dismantle it and eliminate the refugee issue.”
In this context, Ambassador Ben Jemmia highlighted three key points: first, that “UNRWA’s mandate is derived from a General Assembly resolution and represents the will of the international community”; second, he condemned all attempts by the Zionist entity to label UNRWA as a “terrorist agency”; and third, he warned that “such a plan, if implemented, would have a devastating impact on the entire UN system.”
He emphasized that “no entity can replace UNRWA. Neither UN agencies nor NGOs can fulfill UNRWA’s role in the field,” and reiterated the need to support the agency to protect and care for Palestinian refugees wherever they are.
In his speech, the ambassador also addressed the chronic financial deficit faced by UNRWA, stressing the “need for a sustainable and stable solution.”
He pointed out that “Algeria, in line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s decision, recently allocated $15 million to the agency, responding to the UN Secretary-General’s call to continue UNRWA’s operations,” with the aim of assisting the agency in continuing its efforts after some donors decided to freeze or suspend their contributions. He added that this “situation should prompt us to consider a more sustainable and stable funding model for the agency.”
