Syrian 'Arab popular committee' funds assist homeless Palestinians

Some 15 million Syrian pounds ( USD 327.000) donated to UNRWA by the Syrian people are helping Palestinian families made homeless in Rafah, Gaza as a result of Israeli house demolitions.

The donation was presented to UNRAW Commissioner- general Peter Hansen by the chairman of the Syrian Arab Popular committee for the support of the Intifada, Ahmad Abdul Karim, at a ceremony in Damascus on January 15.

The following day, Hansen visited the homeless Palestinians in Rafah in the company of the representatives of the EU member states, whom he informed about the Syrian people's compassionate response to the Palestinian plight.

UNRWA has reported to the Committee that the funds have been used for the following purposes.

-Emergency assistance immediately issued in cash and kind to all 130 families ( 712) persons whose shelters ( 81) were completely or partially destroyed. The in- kind aid included tents, mats, mattresses, blankets, kitchen utensils and food parcels.

-Repairs of the 89 damaged shelters. Work is well under way and expected to be completed by mid. February.