AMMAN: Members of Jordan’s parliament on Thursday highlighted the vital role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, and called for increased international support to sustain the services it provides.

Representatives from the parliament’s foreign affairs and Palestine committees met the agency’s director of affairs in Jordan, Olaf Becker, and the director general of the Jordanian Department of Palestinian Affairs, Rafiq Khirfan, to discuss the work it does assisting Palestinian refugees.

The chairs of the committees, Haitham Ziadin and Suleiman Saud, praised Jordan for its efforts under King Abdullah to defend Palestinian rights, halt Israeli military operations in Gaza, and advocate for a just and comprehensive resolution to the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, the Jordan News Agency reported.

They called for greater international funding for UNRWA, and condemned what they described as smear campaigns and Israeli legislation that have targeted the agency.

The MPs welcomed the recent decision by the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee to renew the agency’s mandate until June 2029, and emphasized the need to protect essential services amid escalating humanitarian challenges. They stressed Jordan’s commitment to supporting the agency, and warned that political attacks against it could threaten regional stability.

Becker reaffirmed King Abdullah’s backing for the agency, and outlined its education, health and aid programs. He also noted the challenges it faces, including funding shortfalls and disinformation campaigns.

Khirfan said Jordan continues to defend the agency and its mandate through diplomatic efforts, led by Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, to secure political and financial support.