The General Secretariat of the Arab League, represented by the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector, denounced statements attributed to the 'Board of Peace' claiming there is no place for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in 'New Gaza' and calling for an end to its role. In a statement, the General Secretariat affirmed that these statements represent a direct attack on the historical and legal rights of Palestinian refugees and contradict the rules of international law and United Nations resolutions. It stressed that UNRWA was established by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 of 1949, and its mandate is renewed by a General Assembly resolution, and that its continued operation is linked to the persistence of the Palestinian refugee issue until a just and lasting solution is reached.

Protecting Millions of Palestinian Refugees

The Secretariat highlighted the humanitarian role played by the agency in providing relief, education, health, and protection services to millions of Palestinian refugees, especially the residents of the Gaza Strip. The General Secretariat called on the international community to assume its responsibilities in protecting UNRWA and confronting attempts to undermine its role amid the Palestinians' increasing need for its services.

UNRWA on the Brink of Collapse

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is on the verge of collapse due to a lack of funding, noting that the livelihoods of millions of people are now threatened.

Arab League: We reject any plans to liquidate UNRWA’s role in Palestine #Today https://t.co/91ZUYHrhlf — Al-Youm Newspaper (@alyaum) June 21, 2026

Guterres explained that further reductions in funding for UNRWA, which the Israeli occupation entity claims is politically biased, could push the situation beyond the breaking point.

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Due to lack of funding, UNRWA has reduced the scope of its operations since the beginning of this year.

Appalling Living Conditions in Gaza

In a speech delivered during a donor conference on Tuesday dedicated to the UN agency, Guterres said: 'As we gather here today, the safety and well-being of millions of Palestinian refugees hang in the balance.' He addressed the extremely appalling living conditions in the Gaza Strip, acts of violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, as well as Israeli raids on Lebanon. Guterres said UNRWA faces comprehensive restrictions across all occupied Palestinian territories, and the acute liquidity shortage threatens its operations throughout the region.

He expressed shock at the ongoing efforts to marginalize and undermine UNRWA through disinformation campaigns, legislative measures, operational restrictions, diplomatic obstacles, and other means.