Japan Contributes $4 Mln to Support Food Assistance for Palestine Refugees in Gaza

Occupied Jerusalem, 09 Muharram 1438/10 October 2016 (MINA) – The Japanese Ambassador for Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to the Palestinian Authority, Takeshi Okubo, and UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl, signed an agreement for a JPY 420 million (approximately US$ 4 million) contribution from Japan to support the Agency’s Gaza food assistance programme for the fifth year in a row, WAM reported on Sunday.

Given the ongoing blockade, now in its tenth year, and the overall dire socioeconomic conditions in the coastal enclave, food insecurity remains a critical issue in Gaza, and many Palestine refugee families face difficulties in meeting their minimum food needs.

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This latest contribution will benefit nearly 100,000 Palestine refugees in Gaza by allowing for food distributions in 2017 and 2018 that will provide families with basic necessities, such as wheat flour, pulses and sunflower oil, said UNRWA in a statement.

“Japan remains a generous and highly valued partner of UNRWA, and we are truly grateful for their continued partnership and solidarity ,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl, who will be visiting Japan later this month.

“This support will help ensure that UNRWA continues providing critical food assistance to Palestine refugees, as part of our broader efforts to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable in Gaza .”

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Takeshi Okubo, Ambassador for Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to the Palestinian Authority, reiterated the commitment of Japan to supporting UNRWA.

He said: “We are very proud of our relationship with UNRWA. By working together, we are able to provide important support to Palestine refugees, especially in Gaza, many of whom are facing food insecurity in such terrible challenges and growing difficulties.”

Japan continues to be a reliable and consistent supporter of UNRWA; in 2015, Japan was among the top five donors to the Agency’s core programmes and services.

This latest commitment brings the total of Japan’s contributions to UNRWA in 2016 to approximately US$ 43 million. (T/R07/R01)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)