DFID makes £1m available for ICRC's humanitarian work in Gaza and the West Bank
The humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has deteriorated, compounded by the crisis in Gaza over the last two weeks. To help alleviate the suffering, International Development Secretary Hilary Benn today announced that £1 million will be channelled through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to meet immediate humanitarian needs. Hilary Benn said:
“The situation for Palestinians in the West Bank and, particularly, Gaza remains desperately hard. They need access to health care, fuel and food. That is why I am today announcing £1 million for the ICRC, to support a wide range of activities, including providing healthcare, food, household relief kits and rebuilding water and sanitation facilities.
“We will not let the Palestinian people down. We continue to provide substantial assistance both through the UN Relief and Works Agency, and now ICRC. And we will look at other channels if that is the best way to deliver humanitarian aid. The most important thing now is access. Gaza's 1.3 million population is heavily dependent on imports of fuel and food. I urge the Israeli Government to ensure that crossings are open, both for imports of essential supplies and so that economic activity can resume in Gaza. The emergency government which was sworn in on 17 June has our full support. We will continue to work with those including President Abbas who are dedicated to a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We are ready to resume assistance to the Palestinian Authority and are beginning discussions on how best to help.”
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