Department of Palestinian Affairs welcomes extension of UNRWA mandate

AMMAN — The Jordanian Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA) on Wednesday welcomed the UN General Assembly's decision to extend the mandate of  the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) until June 30, 2026. 

Commending the move, Director General of the DPA Rafiq Kherfan said that renewing the mandate shows the international community's belief in the importance of the agency, which supports the Palestinian refugees and regional stability, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Kherfan also highlighted the necessity of continuing support for UNRWA to help ensure critical services are provided to more than 5.7 million Palestinian refugees in the agency's five areas of operation. 

Established in 1949 to provide essential services to Palestine refugees, UNRWA is the only UN agency that is a direct service provider, including running a full-fledged school and primary healthcare systems, according to the UNRWA website.