The UN General Assembly approved on Friday, with an overwhelming majority of 151 votes in favor, the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) until 2029. Despite the dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories, Albania chose to abstain again, not joining the countries that openly supported the main aid agency for the Palestinian population.
Besides Albania, 13 other countries abstained, while only 10 voted against. Tirana's decision not to vote in favor comes at a time when the international community has increased pressure for the protection of Palestinian civilians, while UNRWA faces severe restrictions on the ground.
The renewal of the mandate comes as Israel has blocked UNRWA's activities in the Palestinian territories. In October 2024, the Israeli parliament passed laws banning the agency from operating in Israel, including East Jerusalem and the occupied territories. The move has been condemned by international organizations and a number of states, which consider the ban a violation of international law and a grave risk to the millions of Palestinian refugees who depend on UNRWA's services.
In this context, Albania's abstention is yet another shame for the positioning and coherence of Albanian foreign policy, especially when it comes to humanitarian issues where the vast majority of countries have taken a clear supportive stance.
