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Press ReleaseFrom the Department for International Development28 May 2004DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DFID to provide help for homeless in Rafah and Gaza Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for International Development, today announced a UK contribution of £2 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s emergency programmes in Gaza. In the latest Israeli operation in Gaza, 40 Palestinians have been killed and 200 homes and buildings have been destroyed, leaving over 2,700 people homeless of which two-thirds are in Rafah. DFID’s funds will provide much needed alternative accommodation for homeless Palestinians in Rafah including short term cash for rent and longer term rehousing. Hilary Benn said: “The destruction of Palestinian homes and property in Gaza is unacceptable and wrong. I urge the Government of Israel, in future operations to counter terrorism, to respect people’s homes and take full account of international humanitarian law, in particular by ensuring access for humanitarian agencies. The over riding challenge for Palestinians is a just settlement through the Middle East Peace Process, and the creation of a viable, democratic Palestinian state. Without peace, the prospects for economic growth and improved quality of life are bleak.” NOTES TO EDITORS During the height of Operation Rainbow in Rafah (May 17-23) humanitarian agencies reported severe difficulties in delivering humanitarian assistance as a result of various problems with access. This slowed down the delivery of humanitarian aid. Over 1,000 homes have been destroyed in the border area during the intifada, and over 2,000 throughout Gaza, leaving over 18,000 people homeless, including 12,600 in Rafah. 85% of those affected are refugees. In Gaza 80% of the population is below the poverty line and half depend on aid. DFID funding for Palestinians has been £40.2m for the year 2003/4, half of which was provided for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). Our programme of assistance to Palestinians seeks to help improve the lives of Palestinians. We provide assistance to the Palestinian Authority, civil society, and to UNRWA.
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