New York: The high-level meeting, co-sponsored by Jordan, Spain, and Brazil, convened in the presence of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Oman’s delegation was led by His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Discussions centered on the unprecedented challenges facing UNRWA in its 76th year, including mounting Israeli attempts to disrupt its operations, the destruction of facilities in the Gaza Strip, and the deaths of hundreds of agency employees. These setbacks have deepened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and placed immense strain on UNRWA’s ability to deliver essential services.

Participants stressed that UNRWA remains a cornerstone for millions of Palestinian refugees, providing vital education, healthcare, and relief support. They underlined the urgent need to renew political and financial commitments, shield the agency from collapse, and bolster its long-term sustainability without placing additional burdens on host countries.