Jordan has hailed the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) vote to extend the term of office of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for another three years.

Jordanian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Daifallah el-Fayez, said the vote indicates a strong support for the Palestinian refugee issue and Palestinians’ internationally-recognized rights.

"The decision supports Palestinian refugees' right to live in dignity especially that their cause is one of the top final-status issues that have to be resolved in line with the international legitimacy resolutions, mainly UN Resolution 194 and the Arab Peace Initiative," he said.

The Jordanian official reiterated his country’s support for UNRWA, saying that the vote is a clear reaffirmation by the international community of the need to maintain the agency's mission for millions of Palestine refugees.

The UN General Assembly's Fourth Committee voted on Friday night to extend UNRWA’s mandate until June 30, 2023, with 196 votes in favor and nine abstentions. Only the United States and Israel voted against the resolution.

UNRWA is considered a humanitarian lifeline for Palestinians as it offers essential services, including healthcare and schooling, to more than 5 million Palestinian refugees in the region.

UNRWA’s presence as a vital relief agency highlights the internationally-backed right of return for Palestinian refugees in accordance with UN resolution 194.

In Jordan, more than 2.1 million registered Palestinian refugees distributed among 10 camps benefit from the agency's services and financial aid.

The agency runs 169 schools in Jordan, where some 120,000 students are enrolled, as well as a faculty of science and educational arts, 25 primary healthcare centers and other services.