In a heartfelt gesture of support, Kuwait has contributed $2 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The official presentation took place in Amman, where the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Jordan, Hamad Rashid Al-Marri, presented a symbolic check to Tamara Al-Rifai, the Director of External Relations and Communications at UNRWA. This substantial contribution was warmly acknowledged by the Kuwaiti news agency.
Ambassador Al-Marri emphasized the indispensable role played by UNRWA in providing fundamental services to Palestinian refugees across its five operational regions. These services encompass critical areas such as education, healthcare, and social protection. Al-Marri expressed Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to supporting the United Nations and its collaborative efforts to achieve societal development goals.
Furthermore, Ambassador Al-Marri underscored Kuwait’s deep-seated dedication to the Palestinian cause and its humanitarian commitment to the well-being of refugees in the region.
In response, Tamara Al-Rifai expressed profound gratitude, recognizing Kuwait’s consistent backing of Palestinian refugees through its annual contributions. She highlighted the critical nature of such support, especially as challenges facing refugees continue to mount. Al-Rifai stressed the importance of forging a long-term partnership with Kuwait, which could significantly contribute to the stability of UNRWA and, by extension, the sense of security for Palestinian refugees in the region.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, addressing the funding crisis surrounding Palestinian refugees in Jordan and other host countries, had recently termed the situation as “absolutely unbearable” and nearing a critical tipping point. To maintain its vital operations in Jordan, Lebanon, Gaza, and elsewhere until year-end, the agency urgently requires $170-190 million.
Kuwait’s compassionate and substantial donation stands as a beacon of hope, underscoring the collective responsibility to address the pressing needs of Palestinian refugees and support the essential work of UNRWA.
