UN Palestinian refugees agency seeks new funds in wake of violence
Palestine, Economics, 11/4/2000

The head of the main United Nations agency providing relief to Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said earlier this week that the latest spate of violence in the occupied Territories had caused severe economic damage, and urged donors to increase their support in response.

Peter Hansen, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said since the violence began, border closures by Israel and the lack of opportunities for Palestinians to work in the country had cost the Palestinian economy approximately $64 million. At the same time, restrictions on imports and exports had caused further losses, he said.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in New York, the Commissioner-General said UNRWA's supplies were running low, and the Agency was operating with a $30-$40 million deficit. In order to address the situation, UNRWA was working with other UN agencies to craft a consolidated appeal for fresh funding, he said.

Asked to specify the amount of money that would be sought, Mr. Hansen said the figures were still being worked out with other UN agencies, but he estimated that UNRWA would seek some $30 million for Gaza and about $20 million for the West Bank. He stressed, however, that those sums "have to be seen in the light of what the rest of the UN system will be coming up with in the way of appeals."

Reviewing present conditions in the occupied territories, Mr. Hansen said there was no lightening of the tension in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem. Besides the scores killed, there were well over 6,000 casualties, including many who would be severely disabled for life.

The Commissioner-General said Israeli forces had continued to uproot "virtually every growing thing along the main road through Gaza" with the aim of hindering anyone from coming near the road in less than full visibility. "It is a very sad sight to see that destruction," he said.

UNRWA, which was set up over 50 years ago, is the main provider of basic education, health, relief and social services to over 3.7 million registered Palestine refugees in the Middle East.

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