São Paulo – Sweden and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) donated money last week to the United Nations (UN) organisation that assists Palestinian victims of the conflict with Israel, interrupted by a cease-fire on Wednesday (21). The Swiss Cooperation and International Development Agency (Sida) contributed with US$ 2.3 million, while Opec transferred US$ 500,000 through its International Development Fund.
Money is lacking, however, for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to supply the basic needs of victims of the conflict. Last week, the agency called for US$ 14 million.
According to information disclosed by the UNRWA, 1,500 constructions in Gaza have been damaged by the Israeli bombing, 231 houses have been completely destroyed and 140 Palestinians have died. The funds called for by UNRWA will be used to grant food, money, mattresses, blankets and hygiene products to approximately 12,000 families that left their homes. This money should also be used to repair the homes and clinics destroyed, to buy medical equipment and fuel and to remove waste and rubble from the streets.
The UNRWA director for Gaza Strip, Robert Turner, said that people living in the region recently paid a “high price” for the conflict. “We are working hard to provide urgent support to the homeless, to the needy and to those hurt,” he said. Apart from assisting these victims of the conflict, the agency continues offering food and healthcare to around 800,000 Palestinians.
*Translated by Mark Ament
