DOHA: The Government of Qatar, through the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), is contributing US$25 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support Palestine refugees and the agency’s human development and humanitarian activities in the region, QFFD said on Thursday.
Sultan Bin Ahmed Al-Aseeri, Acting Director General of Qatar Fund for Development, was quoted in an UNRWA statement as saying, "In addition to its vital role in providing basic services to Palestine Refugees in its fields of operation, including through education, healthcare, and social protection, UNRWA today has a critical role to deliver aid to the people in Gaza who are facing a horrific war. This contribution reaffirms Qatar’s strong support for the Palestinian cause and for addressing the humanitarian situation facing Palestine Refugees”.
UNRWA Director of External Relations and Communications, Tamara Alrifai said: "Qatar has long been a steadfast supporter of Palestine Refugees and an advocate and supporter of UNRWA’s work across the region. The Agency is grateful to the Government and people of Qatar for their solidarity and generosity, especially as the situation in Gaza reaches unprecedented levels of suffering. UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza and remains one of the sources of normality for Palestine Refugees in the region, through critical services such as healthcare and education.”
UNRWA’s significant financial challenges threaten its ability to maintain its essential services for Palestine refugees. The Agency has called on donors and partners to renew their support for Palestine refugees at large, and particularly for the people of Gaza, who depend on UNRWA for their survival needs.
New evacuation orders by Israel in Khan Younis mean more suffering and displacement, UNRWA said in a social media post.
"Families had to pack what is left of their belongings and run, amid bombardment, and with nowhere safe to go. People in Gazaare exhausted, living in inhumane conditions, with no safety at all."