Germany aligns itself with the statement of the European Union.

I thank Acting Commissioner-General Saunders for his briefing. I reiterate Germany’s strong and unequivocal condemnation of the brutal and indiscriminate terror attacks committed by Hamas on the 7^th of October 2023.

The subsequent war in Gaza has had dramatic consequences. More than 390 UNRWA staff have been killed in Gaza since October 2023. Those who continue to serve do so under catastrophic circumstances. They have our respect and our gratitude.

Germany continues to support UNRWA. As the Agency's largest bilateral donor, we ensure that UNRWA is able to fulfil its mandate. UNRWA provides education, health care and relief to millions of Palestinian refugees every day. It is an anchor of stability in the region.

The agency’s work in the oPT helps to preserve the foundations of a negotiated two-state solution, which Germany continues to support. Its core services there must therefore be maintained with the highest priority.

The agency was never, however, meant to be permanent: Upon the achievement of a just and lasting solution, Palestinian Institutions should take over the services provided by the Agency. They must already today build the capacity to carry this responsibility in the future.

Until then, UNRWA must be able to work safely and without hindrance. Germany rejects legislation and measures against the Agency. The privileges and immunities of the United Nations and the inviolability of its premises must be respected.

We acknowledge the Agency's progress on neutrality. Germany has repeatedly called for the accelerated und full implementation of the Colonna recommendations. Forty-one of the fifty recommendations have now been completed. We expect an unwavering commitment on the part of the Agency to swiftly complete the remaining recommendations, to firmly institutionalize neutrality measures already taken and to make additional reforms. This serves to increase trust by donors and is essential for Germany’s continued support to the Agency.

Chair, for the sake of the Agency’s future, we must also be frank. For years, UNRWA has been suffering a permanent liquidity crisis. Today, its very ability to operate is at stake. A collapse of its operations would have dramatic consequences for Palestinian refugees, for host countries and for the entire region. More support from a wider range of donors is needed now.

But funding alone will not resolve a structural imbalance. The Agency must change in order to maintain its ability to operate. Deep, comprehensive reforms are needed to save the agency. We need to acknowledge this reality.

Germany therefore fully supports the Commissioner-General ad-interim and his initiative to implement meaningful and far-reaching programmatic reforms. The details of these reforms need to be discussed in close consultation with host governments and the Advisory Commission. In order to support UNRWA to deliver on its mandate, we must help the agency to adapt.

The Agency’s host countries carry a tremendous burden and responsibility. Germany has been their reliable partner for decades. We stand ready to work with all our partners in the region, with the Agency and with other donors towards a sustainable model of services and financing for UNRWA, and to limit the impact of unavoidable budgetary measures on Palestinian refugees and host countries.

Thank you.