FM Meets Acting Commissioner-General of UNRWA

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, met, on Monday, 7 September 2026, with the Acting Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Mr. Christian Saunders, on the sidelines of the 166th Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level, being held in the capital, Cairo.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the difficult humanitarian conditions facing the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, as well as the political and financial challenges facing UNRWA under the current circumstances.

The two sides stressed the importance of the Agency’s continued performance of its humanitarian and service-related functions for Palestinian refugees, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and relief, amid the growing need for its services.

They also discussed the importance of concerted international efforts and urging donor countries to bridge the funding gap facing the Agency, in a manner that ensures the continued provision of essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees and prevents the reduction or suspension of its programmes.

H.E. the Foreign Minister reaffirmed the Republic of Iraq’s steadfast position in support of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights, stressing the importance of the international community continuing to support UNRWA and enabling it to continue carrying out its humanitarian responsibilities towards Palestinian refugees.

H.E. the Minister also stressed the need to intensify international efforts to end the suffering of the Palestinian people, ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and protect civilians and humanitarian facilities.