Baerbock Announces Additional 19 Million Euros in Humanitarian Aid for Gaza Strip
In a recent development, Germany allocates an extra €19 million for humanitarian assistance to families in crisis zones of the Gaza Strip. This aid, under precarious conditions, will be distributed by the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNWRA) and the World Food Programme's "Wheat and Rice" initiative. As stressed by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her visit to Israel, every meal for children in Gaza is crucial.
International medical aid packages will help refurbish the minimally functioning healthcare facilities in decimated hospitals within the Gaza Strip, Baerbock added. The funds will primarily be used to finance food baskets that cater to 90% of the daily calorie requirements, comprising essentials like flour, rice, sugar, oil, lentils, and milk powder.
During meetings with Palestinian Authority President Mohammed Mustafa in Ramallah, West Bank, and her fellow minister Israel Katz in Jerusalem, Baerbock expressed views on the potential future role of the Palestinian Autonomous Authority (PA) in a post-conflict order of the Gaza Strip. Baerbock sees the PA as essential for the Gaza Strip's recovery.
Back in early April, the Foreign Office committed to restoring funding for the UN Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA). As a first step, €5 million is allocated for food aid in the Gaza Strip, with an additional €5 million offered as the initial installment of a voluntary, unconditional contribution passed by the Bundestag.
These funds will be used to finance UNRWA's activities in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank, specifically in education and health sectors.
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More funds are needed to alleviate the suffering in the Middle East war, with Baerbock calling for international support to provide additional aid. The conflict in Gaza has left millions in need, and further Euro contributions could mean more help for families in crisis zones. Baerbock's recent announcement of an extra 19 million Euros will undoubtedly be a significant boost to the UNWRA and World Food Programme's initiatives in the Gaza Strip, providing vital food aid and refurbishing healthcare facilities.
