The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly renewed the mandate for a UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees for another three years. The move comes amid misconduct allegations and cash shortfall triggered by a halt in US funding.

The mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees was extended until 30th June, 2023, with 169 votes in favour and nine abstentions. The United States and Israel voted against.

Meanwhile, Hamas has welcomed the decision to renew the international mandate to UNRWA. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said it is another failure of US hostile policies towards Palestinians.

NNR/Khokhar