The legislative body of the League of Arab States (LAS) hailed on Saturday the vote by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Member States in favor of a resolution to renew the term of office of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for another three years.

Arab Parliament Speaker Mishaal AlSelmi told reporters that the extraordinary vote for UNRWA with an overwhelming majority reflects the commitment of the international community to “the legitimate rights of the Palestinian refugees.”

AlSelmi said the measure is a “decisive response” to the ongoing attempts to negate the agency’s legitimate mandate.

“Founded under UNGA Resolution 302 (1949), UNRWA delivers a noble message in providing essential services for millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East”, stated AlSelmi.

The Arab League official stressed the Arab Parliament’s unyielding support for UNRWA and for the inalienable rights of Palestinian refugees.

The United Nations General Assembly renewed the mandate of the Palestinian refugee agency on Friday, in an overwhelming show of support despite unabated pressure by the US and Israel to end the agency’s work.

170 Member States voted for the resolution. Unsurprisingly, only representatives for Israel and the U.S. voted against. Canada, Cameroon, Guatemala, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Nauru abstained.

Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949 to carry out direct relief and works programs for Palestine refugees. The Agency began operations on 1 May 1950.  It provides assistance and protection for some 5.5 million registered Palestine refugees to help them achieve their full potential in human development.