Türkiye Warns UNRWA Faces Unprecedented Political Attacks

Türkiye has issued a strong warning that the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is under unprecedented political assault. Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız stated at the UN General Assembly that these attacks aim to dismantle the agency's crucial mandate and operations.

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For over 75 years, UNRWA has remained an indispensable pillar of stability, dignity, and hope, providing education, health care, food assistance, social services, emergency relief, shelter, and protection to nearly six million Palestinian refugees.

Yıldız emphasized UNRWA's indispensable role over its 75-year history, serving as a pillar of stability and hope for nearly six million Palestinian refugees. The agency provides vital services including education, healthcare, food assistance, and social support. However, it faces persistent financial shortfalls alongside these escalating political pressures, which include systematic campaigns to erode its credibility and operational capacity.

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Today, however, chronic financial shortfalls continue to undermine the agency's ability to provide essential services. Simultaneously, UNRWA has come under unprecedented political pressure, including systematic campaigns to undermine its credibility, question its legitimacy and constrain its operations.

Türkiye unequivocally condemned Israel's actions, which Ambassador Yıldız described as blatant violations of international law. These actions include attacks on UNRWA personnel and premises, and obstructions to the agency's activities in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. Türkiye views these efforts as an attempt to strip Palestinian refugees of their right to return to their land.

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These are blatant violations of international law.

As chair of the Working Group on the Financing of UNRWA, Türkiye reaffirmed its dedication to securing the agency's long-term financial viability. Yıldız announced a $10 million contribution for 2026, underscoring Türkiye's commitment to supporting UNRWA's essential humanitarian mission amidst these challenging circumstances.

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I am pleased to announce that we have already contributed $10 million to UNRWA for 2026.