The Palestinian government has hailed the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) vote to renew the mandate of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for another three years.

Speaking during the government’s weekly session in the central occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said the vote is a new victory for the Palestinian cause and a heavy blow to the Israel/US attempts to undermine Palestinians’ inalienable rights.

The Palestinian PM said the overwhelming vote represents a triumph of the principles of truth, justice, and freedom and of all international resolutions targeted by the US President Donald Trump’s administration.

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.