First Minister has pledged a further £250,000
to support displaced people in Gaza access food, water, shelter
and medical supplies.
The additional money takes the total given to assist relief
efforts in Gaza via the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s
Flash Appeal (UNRWA) to £750,000.
The UNRWA Flash Appeal is specifically for Gaza where the
unfolding humanitarian disaster is, with an estimated 1.4 million
people displaced by conflict and military evacuation orders.
More than 670,000 people are currently seeking shelter in UNWRA
shelters in Gaza.
First Minister said:
“I have been repeatedly calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in
Gaza, but while we press this vital issue it’s important we
support the Palestinian people as much as we can.
“The situation in Gaza is catastrophic which is why I’m pledging
this additional funding to support in helping to stop the
humanitarian disaster we are witnessing. As supplies run out in
Gaza, the lives of innocent civilians are at grave risk from a
lack of food, water, medical supplies and fuel.
“My thoughts remain with all of those caught in the middle of the
escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza. The killing of innocent
civilians can never be justified, wherever it occurs.”
Marta Lorenzo, Director of UNRWA Representative Office Europe
said:
"Scotland has proven that they stand hand in hand with Palestine
refugees and those suffering in Gaza.
"Scotland is helping UNRWA provide shelter, food, medicines and
water to entire families that had to flee their home. We are
extremely grateful for the additional contribution from Scotland
demonstrating the increasingly strong support to UNRWA.
"With this vital funding the Agency will be able to continue
providing essential and life-saving aid. With the ongoing crisis
deepening further each day it is vital for more donors to step
forward and support the millions of people suffering in the Gaza
strip."
Background
Ceasefire in Gaza: First
Minister writes to UK political leaders - gov.scot
(www.gov.scot)
The United Nations Relief and
Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was
established by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8
December 1949 to carry out direct relief and works
programmes for Palestine refugees.
The Agency’s services encompass education, health care, relief
and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement,
microfinance and emergency assistance, including in times of
armed conflict.
UNRWA Flash Appeal: 90 day
initial emergency response to the escalation in the Gaza Strip |
UNRWA
