RAMALLAH, Friday, November 15, 2019 (WAFA) – The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) today welcomed the vote at the United Nations in favor of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for three more years despite attempts by the United States and Israel to undercut the vote, and described it as a victory for justice.

"We welcome the overwhelming international support provided by UN Member states in the UN General Assembly‘s Fourth Committee to the renewal of UNRWA‘s mandate this Friday afternoon," said Hanan Ashrawi, member of the Executive Committee of the PLO." This is a resounding victory for international law, justice, Palestine refugees, and for the UN agency that has so aptly served them for seven decades despite seemingly insurmountable challenges."

Ashrawi said the Palestinian people welcome this principled vote of support and genuinely appreciate all States that voted in favor of this resolution and stood up to the US-Israeli campaign of pressure and intimidation. "We view this vote as an unequivocal rejection of a malicious and cynical campaign led by the Trump administration and Israel to abolish UNRWA and revoke the inalienable rights of Palestine refugees," she added.

"UNRWA shall continue serving Palestine refugees until the international community musters the required political will to reach a just and lasting solution for refugees, anchored in international law and relevant UN resolutions, including UN General Assembly resolution 194."

M.K.