The European Union (EU) has increased its humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in Palestine by €8 million, taking the total to €34.4 million this year, according to a European Commission press release.
The additional funding will be dedicated to supporting victims of the recent violence. EU humanitarian funding for 2021 will help protect the most vulnerable Palestinians, provide life-saving assistance and uphold human dignity, said the statement.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “Following the announcement of a ceasefire, urgent humanitarian access is now vital, to relieve the suffering of the many innocent victims.
“Nothing can bring back the many civilian lives that were taken in this latest conflict – and we are dismayed at the deaths of so many children, including 11 children in Gaza who were benefiting from a trauma care programme supported by the EU,” it said.
“The EU is maintaining critical support for protection programmes, health care, education, access to safe water, and cash assistance. The EU insists on respect for international humanitarian law and cannot accept that civilians are displaced by force or that their homes and schools are demolished.”
The funding announced includes €8 million in emergency assistance, and €200,000 in support of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in delivering immediate assistance through 24/7 emergency medical services in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It also includes €300,000 to support Palestinian refugees in Egypt and a contribution of €500,000 from Italy, the statement concluded.
Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA