Amman, Nov. 11 (Petra) -- Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi on Tuesday met with Olaf Becker, Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Affairs in Jordan, and members of the agency’s management team, who expressed their deep appreciation to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his unwavering efforts in supporting the agency, which have enabled it to continue its humanitarian and service operations.
During the meeting, attended by Director of the Department of Palestinian Affairs Rafik Khirfan, Issawi reaffirmed the King’s appreciation for UNRWA's dedication to serving Palestinian refugees despite the agency’s financial and political challenges.
He stressed that Jordan remains steadfast in its historic principles of defending the Palestinian cause and continues to be a key supporter of UNRWA, viewing it as a cornerstone of regional humanitarian and social stability.
Issawi noted that His Majesty consistently mobilizes political and financial support for the agency in international forums to ensure its ability to carry out its mandate free from politicization or funding cuts, thereby preserving the dignity and rights of refugees until a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue is achieved.
He added that UNRWA’s services are a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees, providing education, health, and relief assistance, and ensuring social stability in host communities, particularly in Jordan. Issawi emphasized that sustaining the agency’s funding is both an international and moral responsibility, warning that any decline in support would have serious humanitarian and regional security repercussions.
He reaffirmed that Jordan’s stance remains a voice of justice and conscience, and that the Kingdom will continue to uphold its humanitarian and relief role toward the Palestinian people in line with its long-standing Hashemite principles.
For his part, Becker expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s continued support, which has enabled the agency to maintain its humanitarian mission amid difficult political and financial circumstances.
He noted that Jordan, which hosts over 2.5 million registered Palestinian refugees, is the largest host country in the region, and that the King’s support has allowed UNRWA to carry out its duties effectively.
Becker highlighted the strong coordination between UNRWA and various Jordanian institutions, ministries, governors, and local authorities, all of whom reaffirm their support for the agency as directed by His Majesty.
He also praised the numerous Royal initiatives that have improved living conditions in refugee camps through social, economic, developmental, cultural, and sports projects.
He commended the close partnership between UNRWA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Palestinian Affairs, describing the relationship as one of unified purpose in serving refugees.
Becker said the agency provides education to over 100,000 students in 161 schools, vocational training for more than 4,000 trainees at two of Jordan’s top training centers, and primary healthcare to around 500,000 patients through 25 clinics across the Kingdom.
Becker warned that the agency has faced intense political attacks and efforts to undermine its operations over the past two years, stressing that UNRWA is now fighting for its very existence to continue providing essential services and safeguarding refugee rights.
He commended His Majesty’s leadership in defending the agency in international forums, noting that "the King never delivers a speech on regional affairs without highlighting UNRWA’s vital role in preserving the dignity and hope of Palestinian refugees," citing his address to the UN General Assembly as a recent example.
Becker added that the deep respect Palestinian refugees hold for His Majesty reflects the strong historical and humanitarian ties between Jordan and the Palestinian people.
He also praised the King’s humanitarian leadership during the recent aggression on Gaza, when he advocated for a ceasefire and humanitarian access, and directed the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization to support UNRWA in delivering lifesaving aid to Gaza despite major challenges.
He concluded by noting that His Majesty and Jordan enjoy broad international respect, and that the King’s impactful interventions have helped reinvigorate global efforts to sustain UNRWA’s noble humanitarian mission.
Officials from UNRWA’s education, health, relief, and finance departments, along with the Jordan Staff Union representative, presented updates on the services provided to Palestinian refugees and emphasized the importance of continued logistical and institutional coordination with Jordanian authorities.
They expressed their gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II for his steadfast support, affirming that Jordan’s consistent position under his leadership has been vital in enabling UNRWA to fulfill its mandate.
They also commended the supportive roles of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II in reinforcing the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts.
//Petra// AO
