The Maldives has pledged USD 50,000 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) as its annual contribution to support Palestinian refugees.

The pledge was announced during the UNRWA Pledging Conference held at the United Nations Headquarters on 1 July, where the Maldives was represented by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed.

Delivering the Maldives' statement, Dr Ali Naseer said the country's contribution was not merely a financial commitment but an investment in preserving the dignity of the Palestinian people and upholding the international rules-based order. He also reaffirmed the Maldives' solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Dr Ali Naseer delivering the statement --- Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Dr Ali further highlighted the operational challenges facing UNRWA and rejected what he described as false allegations directed at the agency. He called on the international community to provide sustained financial support to enable UNRWA to continue delivering its mandate.

The Maldives also pledged USD 50,000 to UNRWA in 2024, continuing its support for the agency's humanitarian work.

UNRWA provides essential services to Palestinian refugees, including education, healthcare, relief assistance and social services across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The agency has faced significant operational and funding challenges amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.