UNRWA’s mandate renewed: Israel opposes, US and Canada abstain

The vote to seek ICJ advisory opinion on de facto Israeli annexation was delayed.

UNRWA's mandate renewed for three years, US and Canada abstain (Jerusalem Post)
The United States and Canada abstained from the United Nations General Assembly vote to allow its Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) to continue to operate until June 2026.

Israel was the only country to oppose the resolution, which had the approval of 157 nations.

Ten nations abstained from the vote that took place in New York, including Cameroon, Guatemala, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papa New Guinea and Uruguay.

General Assembly Renews UNRWA Mandate until 30 June 2026 (UN)
The resolution titled “Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East”, adopted by a recorded vote of 157 in favour to 5 against (Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United States), with 4 abstentions (Cameroon, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, Uruguay), had the Assembly decide to consider a gradual increase in the United Nations regular budget allocation to the Agency to support expenses for operational costs.  The Assembly also appeals to States and organizations for the maintenance of their voluntary contributions to the Agency, as well as an increase in contributions where possible, in particular to the Agency’s program budget.

UN agency says Israel is delaying new visas for its staff (CNN)