New York – United Nations undersecretary-general for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo called on donor countries this Wednesday (22) to increase their donations to Gaza, Palestine in a bid to address escalating violence and fuel and medicine shortage there, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported. She put out the plea during a UN Security Council meeting (pictured above) in New York.
DiCarlo said fuel and medication stockpiles are nearing depletion in Gaza, and that international donors need to boost aid deliveries. She also urged Palestinians and Israelis to cease provocations and exercise restraint. Over 170 people have been killed by Israeli forces in the area this year.
“As we work toward the full lifting of the closing of Gaza, I call on urgently needed supplies to reach the Strip,” KUNA quoted her as saying.
DiCarlo also warned of the humanitarian implications of a cut in budget for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) brought about by diminishing financial support from the United States.
On the other hand, she lauded the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Bank’s projects in the area, many of which are intended to create jobs for women. “Improving Palestinian women’s socioeconomic status is essential to stability,” she said.
The undersecretary-general also denounced Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, as well as the demolition of Bedouin properties. She called on Israelis and Palestinians to avoid provocation at religious sites in Jerusalem, stressing the need to end the Israeli occupation and for the implementation of a two-State solution in the region.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
