Geneva: The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) on Tuesday welcomed the Swiss parliament's decision to "maintain its funding" to the agency. Philippe Lazzarini expressed his appreciation on X, highlighting that the vote would enable the agency to continue providing humanitarian assistance to deprived communities.

According to Anadolu Agency, the decision by Swiss lawmakers came after a motion from the Swiss People's Party was rejected. The motion had called for an immediate suspension of funding to UNRWA. However, the Senate voted against it by a margin of 25 votes to 19, with one abstention.

Lazzarini emphasized that the vote reflects the Swiss people's solidarity with civilians affected by the war in Gaza and Palestine refugees in the Middle East. He extended his gratitude to Switzerland for its commitment to human rights and international law.

The decision comes amid a backdrop of regional tensions, as Israeli lawmakers passed a bill in October banning UNRWA from operating in Israel and occupied territories, a measure that took effect in late January.