JERUSALEM, The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the Government of Germany today signed agreements in support of Palestine refugees in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, amounting to a total of EUR 21 million.

The Government of Germany will provide €15 million to ensure that approximately 50,000 Palestine refugee children in Gaza and 46,000 in the West Bank have continued access to learning in UNRWA schools, and that Palestine refugees have access to life-saving health care services in three health centers in the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, Germany will support the early recovery of Palestine refugees in Gaza affected by the latest Israeli aggression through a €6 million contribution, by providing financial assistance for the reconstruction of approximately 150 destroyed shelters and by supporting 50 families in meeting their urgent psycho-social relief needs.

Oliver Owcza, Head of the German Representative Office in Ramallah, welcomed these agreements as essential assistance to Palestine refugees in Gaza and the West Bank following a particularly challenging year, especially in light of the instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the May 2021 Israeli aggression.

Owcza thanked UNRWA for its work under likewise difficult conditions and added: “Supporting the provision of primary health care for people in need and of quality, inclusive education for Palestine refugee children in Gaza and the West Bank are key priorities for the Government of Germany.”

“Through this generous and timely contribution, the Government of Germany has once again demonstrated its tremendous commitment to the well-being of Palestine refugees, by supporting UNRWA in maintaining undisrupted education and health services in Gaza and the West Bank, during one of its most severe financial crises,” said Mr. Karim Amer, UNRWA Director of Partnerships.

Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency