São Paulo – This Thursday (25th), the World Bank has announced a US$ 2 million donation for improving water resource usage and control legislation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. Also today, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (Cerf) said it will supply US$ 25 million in food and medication to the population of Yemen, plagued by conflict between local rebels and a coalition of Arab countries.
The World Bank said the donation will help the country reform its water resource laws and supply institutions with clear-cut rules and aligned responsibilities.
According to the bank, 96% of all water available in Gaza is unfit for human consumption. A new donation should help the country increase distribution capacity in the area.
The Cerf donation will be spent on vital items for Yemen conflict victims. UN Radio reports that over 21 million people, or 80% of the country’s population, require humanitarian assistance of some sort.
The donation will be converted into medication, fresh water, sanitation and fuel. The money will also allow humanitarian aid agencies better access to the victims, via ports and air.
Since March, Yemen is being shelled by a Saudi-led coalition of Arab countries fighting Houthi rebels. The Yemeni president Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi had to leave the country and seek shelter in Saudi Arabia.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
