The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) welcomed the announcement made by the United States that it is contributing US $150 million to the Agency, restoring its role as a decades-long friend and supporter of the UN agency that provides life-saving human development and humanitarian aid assistance to Palestine refugees across the Middle East.

‘The restoration of funds comes after recent years of severe financial crisis for UNRWA. The Covid-19 pandemic has only worsened the situation, forcing the Agency to respond to a public health crisis amid the most serious financial crisis in its history and manage its resources on a month to month basis due to unreliable funding,’ UNRWA said in a statement.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said ‘UNRWA and the United States are historical partners in working together, alongside other generous UN Member States, to ensure that Palestine refugees can thrive.’

He added ‘we are committed to protecting the safety, health and future of the millions of refugees we serve. The US contribution comes at a critical moment, as we continue to adjust to the challenges the Covid-19 pandemic presents. We encourage all Member States to contribute to UNRWA.’

Remarking on the US announcement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said ‘The United States is pleased to resume support for UNRWA's services, including an education for over 500,000Palestinianboys and girls, thereby providing hope and stability in UNRWA's five fields of operation in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and the West Bank and Gaza Strip.’ (QNA)

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