JERUSALEM, March 31, 2009 (WAFA)- The government of Turkey has contributed $500,000 in response to UNRWA’s appeal for its Quick Response Plan for Gaza (QRP).

UNRWA said that the donation was formally finalized at a signing ceremony attended by UNRWA's deputy Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi and Dr. Ercan Özer, the Ambassador Consul General of Turkey in Jerusalem.

The QRP was launched to facilitate “day-after” responsiveness to the acute humanitarian and early recovery needs of refugees in the Gaza strip. The $345 million appeal provides funds for UNRWA’s regular activities in Gaza as well as expanded emergency programs and other interventions that are a prerequisite for the longer term recovery plan that will be needed to rebuild the lives and homes of the citizens of Gaza.

“The Turkish government has been a steady supporter of UNRWA’s relief and

humanitarian work,” and UNRWA press release said. “Since 2000 Turkey has contributed over $ 7,400,000 to UNRWA programs and projects.