Gaza, February 13, 2008 (WAFA) - Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud has announced a contribution of $100,000 in response to the Special Appeal for Gaza launched by the United Nations Agency for Relief and Works (UNRWA).

The Agency launched its $9.8 million appeal on 24 January, focusing on urgent requirements of food, fuel and cash for the poorest refugees.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Karen Koning AbuZayd thanked the Prince warmly for the donation: 'We are using this donation to buy much-needed fuel. It will make a tangible difference to the Agency's ability to respond to the needs of the people of Gaza', she said. 'After the reclosure of the border with Egypt and continued tight restrictions by Israel the need for urgent external assistance is once more becoming acute. We hope that Arab and other donors will follow the examples set by the Kingdom Foundation and the UAE Red Crescent' (the UAE Red Crescent has also donated $100,000).

A spokesperson for the Kingdom Foundation said "'We are pleased to have this opportunity to extend help to the people of Gaza through the commendable efforts of UNRWA.' This is the second donation which UNRWA has received from the Kingdom Foundation. The first donation of $ 411,000 in 2007 was aimed at providing training for doctors working in the Gaza Strip.