UNRWA TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL AID TO AFFECTED PALESTINIANS FAMILIES

Gaza, 20 Dhulqa’dah 1436/4 September 2015 (MINA) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, Wednesday announced that it is to provide more than US$800,000 to 239 families badly affected during the recent Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

UNRWA said in a press release that it will allocate $201,768 of that money to repair damaged houses and $415,628 for reconstruction. $236,000 will be allocated for rental subsidies during the period between January and August 2015, The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

It also confirmed that those families will be able to receive their dues through local banks before the end of the month.

The statement went on to say that the financing of the special aid for housing has been earmarked for specific purposes by donors and cannot be used for basic services such as education funds. With this contribution, the organization provides vital, much needed support for Palestinian refugees, but the general budget of UNRWA still faces a deficit which is estimated at $22.1 million.

The organization explained that emergency accommodation funds, including those dedicated to repairing damaged housing, reconstruction and solutions for temporary housing support, continue to be a top priority in terms of the agency remaining committed to supporting the affected families, however, it needs new funding to continue the cash assistance for the housing program.(T/P008/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)