UNRWA: The Situation in Gaza Is Worse Than Ever Before

PALESTINE - ISRAEL, 9 Feb 2015

Falastin News Palestine – TRANSCEND Media Service

Robert Turner, Director of Operations for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in Gaza-UNRWA said in a press conference on Wednesday [4 Feb 2015] that the current situation in Gaza Strip is worse than before Israel’s summer offensive.

Turner expressed fears that the very difficult humanitarian situation in the besieged Strip could lead to renewed conflict especially in light of the people’s frustrated condition.

The suspension of Gaza reconstruction, lack of political stability, and difficult economic situation could spell the end of the cease-fire and spiral into renewed fighting in the near future, Turner added.

He pointed to the failed efforts to achieve the Palestinian reconciliation, the political tumble, and the deteriorating security situation along Gaza’s border fence.

Turner said that UNRWA was forced to suspend its cash assistance program in Gaza to tens of thousands of people for repairs to damaged and destroyed homes and for rental subsidies to the homeless due to lack of funds.

To date, UNRWA has received only US$ 135 million out of US$ 720 million in pledges, leaving a shortfall of US$ 585 million, Turner clarified.

8,000 Palestinian families are currently waiting for the first batch of amount allocated for repairs estimated at $ 18 million, while 3,100 other families are still in need for shelter assistance estimated at $3.5 million.

Only the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Germany have met their initial pledges to UNRWA for reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, UNRWA’s director of operations stated.

The international donor conference held on October 12 in the Egyptian capital of Cairo raised 5.4 billion U.S. dollars for the construction of the Gaza Strip following Israel’s 51-day aggression.

Go to Original – falastinews.com

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