Turkish foreign minister holds talks with UNRWA chief in Ankara

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini in Ankara. Türkiye has been a staunch defender of the UN agency amid Israeli efforts to discredit and cut its funding.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a meeting on Friday with Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The talks took place in the Turkish capital Ankara, according to a brief announcement made by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on the social media platform NSosyal.
The ministry did not immediately disclose specific details regarding the content of the discussions.
Türkiye's Stance on UNRWA and Palestine
The meeting underscores Türkiye's continued diplomatic engagement on the Palestinian issue. Ankara has long positioned itself as one of the most prominent supporters of the Palestinian cause on the international stage. Notably, Türkiye has consistently defended UNRWA against sustained Israeli campaigns aimed at discrediting the agency and severing its funding. Turkish officials have argued that these efforts are intended to undermine the agency's critical humanitarian work in Gaza and across the region, particularly during the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Context of the Meeting
The dialogue occurs amid a severe humanitarian situation in Gaza and ongoing political challenges facing UNRWA. The agency has faced a significant financial and operational crisis following allegations from Israel earlier this year, which led several major donors to suspend funding. While some donors have since resumed contributions, the agency's long-term stability remains in question. As a key regional player, Türkiye's support is seen as vital for both political backing and potential humanitarian coordination.
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