BRUSSLES, November 10, 2008 (WAFA)- European Commission mobilizes €1.5 million in support of the most vulnerable Palestinian communities hit by severe climate conditions in 2008.

In response to a sequence of natural hazards, especially drought, which hit the occupied Palestinian Territory in early 2008, the European Commission, has announced its plans to provide €1.5 million in humanitarian aid to support the stricken populations, particularly Bedouin communities, farmers, shepherds in addition to the marginalized communities in Area C of the West Bank. The European Commission's intervention will provide an emergency response in the water sector, among other fields.

This funding package will help meet the vital needs of around 100,000 vulnerable Palestinians affected by severe climate conditions that have destroyed 70- 100% of open fields and have caused extreme water shortages in the Palestinian Territory.

European Commission will provide vulnerable families with sufficient quantities of water to cover their domestic and livelihood needs.

These funds are in addition to €64 million allocated earlier this year from the European Commission's humanitarian aid budget for assistance of vulnerable Palestinians, including the provision of food aid.