Friday, December 7, 2007

ISRAEL-OPT: Fewer resources for a worsening situation - UNRWA


UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

"NEW YORK, 6 December 2007 (IRIN) - The UN agency supplying basic services for Palestinian refugees is in a funding crisis, and is facing a difficult year as the political situation continues to hamper its work in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

Despite initial pledges towards the 2008 budget from 22 donors at a meeting in New York on 4 December, some US$1.21 billion is still required......

UNRWA says over 80,000 civilians in Gaza have lost their jobs in recent months and therefore rely on humanitarian aid.

The economic sanctions are seen to be creating poverty and a reliance on help, which would not be necessary if people were allowed the access to get to work and therefore rely on themselves.

The situation has been exacerbated by the internal politics of the Palestinians.

Grandi described the split between the West Bank and Gaza as leading to disillusionment within the Palestinian people......"

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