RAMALLAH, Wednesday, May 8, 2024 (WAFA) – Switzerland on Wednesday decided to contribute 10 million Swiss francs (over $11 million) to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), focusing on the basic needs of the people in Gaza.

"The CHF 10 million contribution is exclusively earmarked for Gaza and will be used to provide the urgent assistance specified in the UNRWA Flash Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory covering the period April–December 2024," the Federal Council said in a statement following its meeting.

The contribution "will be restricted to Gaza and will cover the most pressing basic needs, such as food, water, shelter, basic healthcare and logistics," it said.

The council also said it took into account the conclusions of the report by the independent review group led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna while making its contribution decision. Colonna's report, published on April 22 and aimed to examine the neutrality of UNRWA, noted that the agency has a robust monitoring system in place.

The Federal Council will submit this decision to the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation, according to the statement.

K.T