06 January 2009
Press Release
DFID will allocate £4 million to help the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to address immediate humanitarian needs in Gaza, Secretary of State Douglas Alexander announced today. This £4 million is the first tranche of the $10 million (£6.8 million) the UK recently announced to meet humanitarian needs in Gaza.
For the people of Gaza, living conditions are deteriorating rapidly. The money announced today will help meet basic needs such as food, water and fuel which are running desperately low.
Douglas Alexander said:
"The humanitarian situation in Gaza is getting worse by the hour and many thousands of people are suffering. We today call on Israel to allow sufficient supplies into Gaza and to do everything within its power to enable them to be distributed safely and immediately.
"We must do everything we can to ensure that desperate, vulnerable people in Gaza get the help they need. Full and safe access for humanitarian supplies and aid workers is essential to avert further suffering. We must help the 1.5 million people in urgent need of food, water and fuel.
"The government will provide £4 million in response to UNRWA’s recent Flash Appeal. This appeal will help UNRWA feed over half a million people and provide shelter for at least 5,000 people whose homes have been destroyed or who have been displaced by the violence. It will also allocate cash assistance for up to 2,500 families who cannot afford basic household items. DFID’s contribution will also fund additional fuel desperately needed to keep essential public services such as water provision and healthcare going.
"The government remains extremely concerned about the situation in Gaza and we reaffirm our appeal to all parties to end the violence immediately.